William Rose Posted May 8, 2008 Share Posted May 8, 2008 The club was dark, smoky, and close with heat and humidity. Summer in the City of Angels was only sexy on TV; the reality was a sweltering sauna rife with racial and economic tensions, road rage in the snarled traffic, and the bitter taste of dreams lost. Antoine looked out into the crowd his eyes well adjusted to the darkness picked out the pretty waitress who had come to LA to act; that was fifteen years ago and while she was still pretty it was clear that her big break was never coming. In the front row an older man in a rumpled suit drank cheap gin straight up; he had once been a talent manager, but a scandal later he was managing nobody but his debtors. Antoine kept the beat easy and slow, there was no need for his more energetic drumming talent tonight. Tonight it was all about the blues. Jackie wailed away on the saxophone like a pro back up by Antoine's rhythm and the mournful guitar provided by Frank. Much like Antoine, Frank, had talent in spades but he was content with just being able to make a living playing. Once, back in the fifties a much younger Frank had been part of some big ensemble band, but that was then and this was now. Frank was content though, he made a living doing what he loved, fame had passed him by but that was ok by him.Jackie though, he was a different story. He was young and ambitious, he had talent as well. He hoped to go somewhere and be somebody, but he was going precisely nowhere and becoming nobody. The problem was that Jackie had a monkey named Heroine on his back. On nights like tonight he performed beautiful soulful blues because he had been paid in advance and was high. Other nights he couldn’t get a fix and stumbled through gigs like an amateur chump. Antoine had tried to help the kid but he wasn’t having any of it, he was young and he knew everything. It must've been very hardTo have lived and never learntTo be content with who you areAntoine pushed those thoughts out of his head and resumed his people watching. By the bar a drunken man was hitting on a woman. He didn’t realize that she was a professional, tomorrow he would wake up with an empty wallet and wonder where he went wrong. In the back, barely visible in the dark corner shrouded in smoke were a pair of aging hipsters. Antoine knew them well; they were good people but had never accepted that the world moves on and you have to move with it.Antoine’s eyes moved from table to table taking in the crowd. The regulars all had a sob story or a tale of life wasted. Though small they hardly filled the club and in point of fact they made up less than a quarter of the attendance. The place wasn’t trendy but people who were trying to make a statement would come here as would people who actually enjoyed blues and jazz for what they were. He looked to the door and saw John, the bouncer turn away two kids who might have been old enough to be in college away. We all want the same things don't weTo find the one who opens channels to our heartsA path you never found upon your own.And then he saw her. She was incredibly beautiful. Antoine had found his paramour for the evening. He seldom failed to attract those he sought to. He watched as she moved through the crowded room, moving with grace that enhanced her considerable looks. He was wrapped up in her Hispanic features, her long brown falling in waves past her shoulders, her hazel eyes catching the light and seeming to change color as she moved through the room. He noted the table she sat at for later reference and noted that she was joined by another man, European features, slick hair, dark shirt; he looked like a stereotype given life. Forever can be...Something to believe for...Now this is one of those times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joani Posted May 8, 2008 Share Posted May 8, 2008 The moment she had entered the club her mind was already set. She started wondering if this would eventually grow old on her. Her companion didn’t know that he wouldn’t survive this evening, his mind was more set on getting into her pants. She smiled at him, teasing with her eyes and licking over her lips.Ever since she got embraced her natural beauty got enhanced by a quality only kindred called their own. Her skin had a perfect complexion and her hair glistened even under the dark and smoky light of the bar. With piercing eyes that hungered for life. Ashe’s gaze fell upon the huge and imposing figure of the blackest man she has seen yet.“So you actually live here?”, asked the man at her table, his words barely reaching her. The haze of hunger clouded her mind but the black man remained perfectly clear in her mind. She felt incapable of removing her eyes from him.Her eyes captured every detail of his body and lingered on his broad chest that was partly revealed through his unbuttoned shirt. Dark obsidian skin reflecting phosphorescent light giving him an unearthly beauty.The man at her side slowly realized that his words never reached her and started to get nervous. He knew she was very young, maybe too young. He tried to follow her eyes searching for the cause of her distraction and gulped as he saw the huge black man playing with the band across the room. His sudden nervousness took over and he grabbed her arm pulling a bit too roughly at it. “Lets get out of here, Ashe. I don’t like this place.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William Rose Posted May 8, 2008 Author Share Posted May 8, 2008 Antoine pattered out the last few drum beats absently as the song ended. He sat there behind the drums transfixed on the woman as she took her seat. She looked casually around the room much as anybody would expect her to in a crowded club but Antoine found that her gaze lingered on him. Can't blame her, you don't see guys like me that often, he thought. Jackie had put down the sax and was telling the audience that they would be taking a short break before coming back on later. Antoine shook his head clear as he heard Jackie speak, "... and Frank Spitz on the guitar. And of course Antoine LaSalle on drums." He paused between names to allow for audience applause before continuing. Antoine rose as his name was mentioned, quickly towering over his kit and bowed. His head nearly brushed the ceiling as he stood and he walked to the edge of the stage with his head bowed. Stepping down he gained some clearance and turned to steal another look at the woman. Antoine smiled, as much to himself as to the pretty young lady still staring at his across the room. If I can get her away from her Euro trash boyfriend this will be easy, he thought as he headed toward the bar. As he did he saw her boyfriend look in his direction, the man’s face taking on a sour look. This is almost too easy, jealous boyfriend getting a little physical with the lady. So you dug deep down inside yourselfYou revealed an old manSo pained to be what makes you who you areAntoine moved toward the bar, he watched the couple out of the corner of his eye, a predator waiting for the moment to strike, waiting for the perfect moment to move in for the kill. Rebuke the boyfriend; impress the girl; separate them and woo the lady while having John kick the boyfriend out of the club. It was all too easy and yet that hardly bothered Antoine at all; he had done this hundreds if not thousands of times. He had long since grown used to being a monster; it was a simple fact of un-life.Antoine tried to summon up a smile for the lovely older woman at the bar and yet he found at best a polite grin. He looked back over his shoulder at the brunette, she was intoxicating, and he found it difficult to take his eyes away. How long has it been since I’ve seen somebody of that beauty? How long since I could not think of every other woman in the room and a second or third opportunity? When was I last human enough to be enthralled by a single woman? Antoine shook his head, a wry grin on his face, he hadn’t felt this was in a great many years. It was both shocking and invigorating. Forever can be...Something to believe in...This was one of those times Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joani Posted May 9, 2008 Share Posted May 9, 2008 He jerked at her arm and stood up determined to force her off her seat and out of the club.The world came to a full stop around her. The smell of his adrenaline stained sweat itched in her nostrils and with a feral snarl she grabbed his arm and flipped it over with unnatural force making his elbow pop at the joint. The girl she once had been was long consumed by the urges and desires of her beast.We all want you to see the you we seeThe one that carries the worlds tragedies aloneThe cross you choose to bear upon your own.Everything around her faded away in a blur of blood driven desire and she closed her eyes savouring the moment.Forever can be...Something to believe in...Wish this was one of those times.Suddenly she was back in control subduing the beast she has grown so accustomed of. She opened her eyes - black obsidian skin cutting like a razor through the dull fog of repetition. She looked down at the helpless man who struggled to remain conscious fighting against his fear and pain wailing like a child."I could just pretend that you love me. The night would lose all sense of fear but why do I need you to love mewhen you can't Hold what I hold dear?"Disgusted she let go off him and he tumbled like a ragdoll half over the table crashing with it to the floor. A few guests jumped up unsure whether to help the young girl or the man whom she just dropped. Disregarding the world around her she walked towards the bar attracted by the only man in the club who made sense to her.Forever can be...Something to bleed for...And this is one of those times, for those you left behind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William Rose Posted May 11, 2008 Author Share Posted May 11, 2008 Antoine leaned casually on the bar waiting for the drink he would never consume and watching this woman who for some reason dragged at this senses like some sort of siren. Her date had grabbed at her arm and was now trying to haul her to her feet, clearly intent on making her leave with him. Jealous much pal? She was taking a look at the goods. Antoine had little time to think more than this as the woman grabbed the moron's arm and twisted. A sickening crunchy pop was all the sound needed to still all conversation in the room in a matter of seconds. The man half hung from his arm, bent the wrong way at the elbow, and half sprawled on the table. Antoine's beast all but roared to life, Kill, kill, kill her! it raged. He punched it down, his hands tightening on the bars, knuckles growing pale as he fought to control the demon within. Forever can be...Something to believe in...Wish this was one of those times.Meanwhile the she-vampire appeared to be reigning in her own beast to avoid simply tearing the man's throat open. She released him, and he crashed to the floor, the table tumbling out from beneath him as he fell. The chair tumbled away knocking the patrons nearby out of their fugue. A few went to the limp form on the floor, checking to see if he was alright, a few more tried to talk to the woman, asking her the same question. Antoine slammed a mental fist into the beast writhing in his head. Broken and beaten it retreated; this battle lost it would tend its wounds and allow the other vampire to continue to exist. By simple force of old habit Antoine drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly as he regained control. His fingers uncurled from the bar, the dents they left would be a mystery to the bartender later in the evening when he cleaned up after closing. Antoine stared, incredibly the woman, the vampire woman, was making a beeline straight to him. He took her in once more, his eyes bathing themselves in her aspect. He could see now the perfect paleness of her skin, a false blush given by the effect of blood. The cascading brunette locks flowed past her bare shoulders, a satin sheen like so much molten chocolate. Her eyes wavered between a deep forest green and the pale brown of hand rubbed oak. Her hips swayed, playing out their own sensual rhythm as she very nearly stalked toward him. We all want the same things don't weTo find the one who opens channels to our heartsA path you never found upon your own.She came to him and he smiled. He knew nothing about her, not her name nor her clan, but it did not matter, tonight he would not be alone. Making no pretense he abandoned the drink he had bought for her at the bar. He turned and made he way through the crowd, parting them by sheer presence. He cast a look back at her noting with satisfaction that she followed behind him as he made his way to the back of the building. Together they exited into the ally, the heat and humidity of the night slapping at them as though it could make itself felt. Turning to her he stepped close inhaling the scent of her perfume, her skin, her hair. “My name is Antoine,” he began. Forever can be...Something to believe for...Now this is one of those times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joani Posted May 11, 2008 Share Posted May 11, 2008 Ashe didn't care if she was paving the road to her own destruction. She didn't care what the world behind her looked like. In her minds eye everything faded away leaving her alone with just two things left - the black messiah, a promise or hope for something to change for once, maybe forever and the beating of her heart, the terrible drum of life shutting out all sound.We all want you to see the you we seeThe one that carries the worlds tragedies aloneThe cross you choose to bear upon your own.His every move was like a dance, an alluring seductive dance of the perfect drug and she needed to have him, if only for one tiny drop to give her peace. She increased her pace and followed him outside into the ally, her beast tucking at the chains again smelling a trap but she didn't care, she didn't flinch.Forever can be...Something to believe in...This was one of those timesAnd suddenly he stopped and turned around towering over her like a cobra about to strike... but instead of biting her with his venomous teeth he leaned in and inhaled closing his eyes to shut out the world around him."My name is Antoine", his voice radiated a purity which she lacked the words to describe - immaculate.Her senses hazed by longing and desire returned with perfect clarity. His obsidian skin danced playfully with the scarce light, outlining details she hadn't seen before. She craned her neck, her mouth half opened and her eyes searching for his."To see a world in a grain of sand and a heaven in a wild flower, hold infinity in the palm of your hand and eternity in an hour... I am just Ashe..."Forever can be...Something to believe for...Now this is one of those times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William Rose Posted May 12, 2008 Author Share Posted May 12, 2008 Antoine's head whirled; the vampiric beast was replaced by human instincts and emotion. Lust threatened to overwhelm him, he wanted little more than to grab this woman, take her into to her arms and kiss her with a passion that he had not experienced in a great many years. Instead he fought that urge, shoving it along side the beast. He looked down and saw that Ashe's hands were hovering over his chest as though she had not yet worked up the courage to reach out and touch him. Antoine wrapped her hands in his own looking down into her eyes.We all want the same things don't weTo find the one who opens channels to our heartsA path you never found upon your own.Antoine wavered in his mind; on the one hand everything in him yearned for him to simply take her up and kiss her, hold her, and give in to his lust. On the other hand he had not felt this way in many years not since shortly after his embrace, and he did not want to risk ruining it by taking advantage of the situation. He resisted his base desire, were this simply another conquest, another meal he would not have thought twice about it; instead he knew that he could be with this woman, he could share what he was with her and she him and together perhaps they could recapture some shred of what made them human once upon a time. Save the world so you don't have to save yourself.You save the world so you don't have to look at yourself.And fill the void left inside your fragile hearts.Those haunted images never left you alone........Antoine stepped closer, lost in her eyes he could barely think straight, “Ashe …” He barely breathed out her name, he was so entranced by her. Forever can be...Something to believe in...This was one of those times~~Song lyrics from Forever Can Be by ASHES dIVIDE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joani Posted May 12, 2008 Share Posted May 12, 2008 She closed her eyes awaiting his embrace, her mouth quivering with anticipation. Her heart beat furiously in her chest and she felt her canines elongating as the beast surfaced and slowly took over.Forever can be...Something to bleed for...Wish this was one of those timesAt the shores of her mind she sensed the vague sensation of something that reminded her of... when she was human. Ashe opened her eyes and gasped in surprise. Her hands hovered just an inch above his chest as if he was too valuable to touch and she felt her canines retracting. Suddenly his hands wrapped around hers and the beast was quenched, her eyes mirroring perfect innocence for the first time in her life. Her cheeks blushed in response, she breathed consciously and felt tears welling up in her eyes.“Ashe,” he breathed her name as though calling out to a lost love. Ashe pulled herself toward him, standing on tiptoes and waiting for his kiss. He seemed hesitant, as though unsure that he should. Forever can be…As one they closed the distance between them, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss.Something to believe in …The kiss, the first of many, connected them as though they were both still human, allowing them both to recapture what they had lost. Now this is one of those times.- Finis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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