Dancing away with my heart (Mari, Bertie)

[Lovely]

March 27, 2008
late night
Playland Palace


Mari moved out on the stage, the music blaring and her hips moving. She knew how to work a crowd and get them riled up. It was like an art form for her. She loved to dance...felt so alive. There was no other feeling that compared, well nothing she had experienced anyway. She dipped and shook and spun, each move carefully calculated and carried out for maximun tease and viewing pleasure. Her eyes scaned the crowd, a few faces were familiar...as in had been here before. She went for the regular, big tipper first. Giving him a nice shake and some leg for him to place his bills in. Then on she went to the next fellow after taking a turn on the pole and showing just how flexible she was. She did a slow leisurely back wards flip and landed on her knees before him. Her hands running over abs and then toying with the straps of her top...

Birthdays and breakups.. that's when they showed up most. At least most of the guys in the place were like that. They didn't care who they saw on the stage... long as they got to see what was on stage and maybe get a peek at some pink while they were at it. Jay and his friends weren't there with the usual village idiots.. they were here as friends. They knew most of the girls and came to support.....yeah... support their.... talents. Bert walked behind Jay, smiling hellos to the people he introduced him to on the way in. They stopped at the bar on and got a round before getting to the table up front where Jay always sat.

Mari was about halfway through her number when she saw Jay walk in. He was a regular and sat up front. Lily was back stage ...not dancing of course but there to support Mari. Mari gave Jay a wink and crawled over to the edge of the stage, dipping off to tug him over the table and 'say' hello.

Lily was watching Mari, slightly envious of her beauty and grace in dancing... it was like a seductive art form for her. Lily sighed and then blushed watching Mari drip over Jay... she was not jealous, but amused. Waiting till Mari backed off a little to head out and say hello herself.

Bert stifled a chuckle as the girl launched over the table and flatlined Jason. Jay seemed to take it in stride with his gentle but deadly smile and shrug as Mari let loose, letting him sink back to his chair. A moment later another blonde wandered up slowly to meet them at the table. He nudged Jay and pointed his attention to her.

Jay smiled warmly, taking Mari's welcome as he usually did, with both hands. He winked as she moved back and turned as Bertie nudged him... Lily.. center stage and the brightest star of his universe. His smile warmed further as she came up to them. "Hey, Lil," he stood and took her hands, kissing her softly.

"Hey." She returned his kiss lightly. "So what do you think?" She nodded to the stage. "..my new career?" She of course meant Mari's outfit... she had kind of become the costumer of the girls... Carl even offered her the job for real with a salary after seeing the reaction her ensembles got from the customers.

"Seamstress to the stars, star," he teased. "I think you do great. Course, given the models you have to work with, how can you go wrong?" He smiled, tipping his forehead to hers, being entirely too cute. "Come on... this is Bertoli.... Bert...um... stay away from muppet jokes and you'll have a friend for life."

Bert couldn't hear anything that Jay said as he came up with Lily, but understood that he was being introduced. He smiled and offered a hand.

Lily smiled and tapped Jay as they sat back at the table. Somewhat naturally Lily slid into his lap rather than the chair next to him.

She moved, lithe, agile, flexible... like a preening purring kitten, playful and cute, naughty and sweet all rolled into one petite dynamo. The ways she could and did move her body showed how limber and strong she was... as the hoots and hollars cheered her on. She stooped and bent stretching luxuriously to get the money held up for her.

He let his hand drop back to his pocket as he stood there watching her. His fingers caught hold of paper and he drew it out. It was a $5. He shrugged.. the dancing... the dancer... was worth more than that, but it was all he had in change. He moved around the table in reach and waited for her to saunter back to his side of the stage.

"I think the ladybug bit our boy already... look," he said in Lily's ear, nodding over her shoulder to Bert. "Sure didn't waste any time ordering the best plate on the menu... hope he can afford it... you know... Lionheart and all."

Lily giggled softly leaning back against Jay and turning her head to speak to him, close to his ear. "Hmmm... is he a nice boy? Better not let any mean nasty boys near my girl.." She teased.

Slowly she made the rounds and came gracefully to stand before Bert. She smiled, mischievious and seductive as she turned her back to him and slid nearly to a split, then arched back in a position similair to a crab walk. Reaching her hand to his, she slowly guided his hand over her skin. Between her breasts and down her taunt silken stomach there she left his hand at just the edge of her thong...letting him slide the bill in if he dared.

He winked at her as his hand was clasped, letting her move it down just so, he gently dipped further, no fear involved, giving the folded bill just the right 'snap' before his fingers let go. He blew her a kiss and drew his hand back slowly, cool, icey blue eyes smiling as she pulled away.

Jay chuckled out loud as his friend played. Unlike the others who pawed madly or turned and made 'high fives' with their buddies, Bert stepped back slowly, still watching her, only checking his footing as he moved back to his chair slowly, trying to see every move she made.

She continued to dance, her gaze turning back to the man with the blue eyes. He was sitting with Jay and Lily, Mari smiled as she worked the crowd, getting them raised to a feverish excitment and the bills being waved and tossed at her by eager men. She was good at what she did and enjoyed the heck out of dancing. Her number finally ended and she strolled sensuously offstage and let the next dancer take her place.

"What's the matter Bertie? Kitten leave her ball of string behind? Wound up?" Jay chuckled.

He turned and slugged him in the knee, careful to miss Lily entirely. "Shut up. She's cute, okay? You have a problem with that? Mr 'Hi I'm All Hands'?"

"Oooo... hit a soft spot, huh? You like her, you better be ready for her. She's a special girl. Ain't she, Lil?"

"Yes very very special..." She grinned at Bert... thinking she liked him... at least for Mari. Lily definately was only eyes for Jay.

"Don't know, man... she might spoil your diet."

"What? What the hell's that supposed to mean?"

"What does that mean?" Lily whispered.

"Means she's rich," Jay held his hand over his heart. "You catch this, she'll spoil your appetite and keep you hungry. Only seen it happen one other time... no one's caught her since." He looked at them both.. they didn't get it. "She's hard to catch, but if you get her heart, she's yours man.. body and soul. Only one other guy I've ever known came close. He ain't got her now."

Lily nodded. "Ok...now I see... and it's very true... "

Mari came out a few minutes later cleaned up and dressed in normal clothes, that were not skin tight but still showed her slim curves. Relaxed faded jeans, a tank top and a button down over top, that was loose and open for the moment.

"Hey Don Juan.. you're up, sweets," Jay nodded, giving Lily a little squeeze and smiling up at her. "Hey, you wanna give the newlyweds some time alone? Come get a drink with me?"

"Is he always this bad?" She asked looking at Bertie. "Or does he give you a break now and then?"

"Jay? To me? Always.. usually worse. I see he put on his better table manners tonight," he grinned, reaching to slug him again playfully as Mari came up. "Do I get a real introduction or am I on my own?" His lips pursed his smile into hiding and his eyes pleaded a moment for the help with the icebreaker.

Lily nudged Jay and smiled softly at Bert. "No worries." She flashed her grin to Mari as she strolled up to the table. "Hey girl... nice show as always.." She nodded as Mari sat down.

"Thanks, hun...and I owe a big wow to you for the outfit." Mari smiled brightly. "I think it was a big hit." She relaxed and smiled at Jay. "And hello to my cousin's prince... how are you tonight?" Her eyes moved over Bert, curious.

"Thirsty," he winked. "Would you like a drink? Lily and I were just about to get them... Bert here's buying.. so anything you want." He clucked in his cheek and winked at Bert.

"Um.. yeah. sure. Go ahead.. anything you want.. it's on me," he smiled, feeling warm in the cheek.

Jason laughed and started to walk away.

Lily smiled. "By the way. Mari this is Bert... Bert this is Mari...you kids play nice.." She giggled and followed after Jay, with a slight skip.

He muttered something obscene beneath the smile, being obvious by the way his eyes narrowed slightly at Jay before turning the smile genuine again and back to Mari. "Hi... Bert.. Bertoli.. hi."

"Bertoli? Italian?" She reached her hand across to him. "Mari...short for Mariah... it's a pleasure."

"It's a gift," he said.

"A gift?"

"Sorry... Mariah... means 'gift'... hebrew.. maybe aramaic.. I forget. It's a pretty name. I like Mari, too. Sorry, hey, have a seat," he smiled, nervous, finally taking his hands out of his pockets and motioning to the chairs.

She chuckled softly. "Who knew... maybe my dad was thinking that when he named me." She sat in the chair next to the one he took.

"I would have, but that would make things kinda complicated.. me being here... um... like this and all. Nevermind... getting ahead of myself. So.. yeah... yeah, it's Italian. Umm... you don't mind, do you? I mean.. well that sounded stupid. Italian's good... right?"

"I have no troubles with you being Italian..' She chuckled, her eyes playful and sparkling in the lights. She leaned forward and patted his knee. "Relax I 've never killed a person just for being Italian before..."

"That's funny.. if you hear the stereotypes about Italians... they'd kill for just about... eh.. nevermind. So.. hi.. again... I'm Bert and welcome to my show. I sit here and stammer a while and try to be charming and fail miserably. How are you?"

"Entertained... possibly delighted." She winked at him, still smiling and playful.

"Possibly?" he grinned. "That's good to know. Okay, so I haven't hit miserable yet. Good."

"So not aiming for miserable? Cause if you were...well I'd have to tell you, you were doing an awful job of making me miserable." She smiled letting herself glance around the room then her eyes falling softly over him.

"Really? Any chance I'm doing a so-so job of maybe making you unmiserable? How about we skip this part and I think of something to talk about that makes me look a little less like a dork.... iiiiif I can think of a damned thing. God you're pretty. I mean... I'm sorry... did I mention... I kinda say what's on my mind?"

She giggled softly, her eyes lighting up as she listened to him. Her hand covered her mouth for a moment, but her bright smile was unmistakable. "Ummm I'm not miserable...but if I were...you would totally be making me unmiserable." She tucked a curl of hair behind her ear. "You're not a dork...I think you're kinda sweet.... did you know that a dork is a whale's penis? I'm not that pretty... and you just did." She laughed softly. "mention that you say what's on your mind... I like that though...just don't be too surprised when I do the same."

"Oh god, I can hear it now," he blushed, trying to purse the too-wide smile away and looking up and away before coming back to rest his gaze on her, watching her tuck her hair behind her ear in habit again. "I guess I shouldn't expect any less," he nodded. "Now how about that drink... then I can have some kind of an excuse... for a few minutes anyway. Whales, huh? I never knew that. Thank you."

"Expect the unexpected...you'll always be prepared, but on the other hand, never expect anything good from anyone. 'cause if you do and it doesn't happen you'll be disappointed and if it does happen you'll be pleasantly surprised." She chuckled and turned her head to what her fingers were playing with on the table..the pretzels... "Yeah a drink sounds good... didn't Jay and Lily go for drinks? it could be awhile... yeah whales.. a sperm whale specifically...I think.. did you know a whale's penis can grow to like sixteen to twenty feet long? That is just crazy... can you imagine? Yikes!... thats all I'm saying."

He chuckled, "Glad I'm not misses whale... know what I'm saying? Yikes is right. Yeah, they did go for drinks... probably all the way back at his place or something. No, no wait, they're up there and he's... I'm gonna f*-in kill 'im. You ever just want to bury your friends.. not kill him per se... just bury 'em... like up to here in sh*t for all the sh*t they ladle out on ya all the time... I swear. I'm sorry... he's just being a pain... giving me one of those looks. Like he's riding a bet on this or something. Anyway. I'm sorry... look, why don't I just get the drinks.. he's being useless. What would you like?"

"Riding a bet on what?" She turned trying to see Jay through the crowd and watched him duck behind Lily as she looked his way. Mari shook her head and chuckled. She spun and smiled at Bert. "We're being set up...aren't we?" She shook her head. "You know what you said about burrying...yes..I have gotten that urge..do cousins count? Can we burry them together? They'd probably be pretty happy and out of our hair for a while." Her smile remained as she sighed. "Why don't we both go for the drinks? I can get them free... and then we have the option of sneaking out...

"Cousins and best friends? You bet... make you a deal... you got the drinks free... I know a couple o guyz... ya know... italians... Guido and Vito.... and Tubby," he teased, putting on the accent for show.

"Oh no...not you too." She winked. "Really, I am not that desperate for a date.... So ummm you wanna go out sometime?"

"Huh? No, I meant dealing with those two.. you get me a drink.. I'll repay you.. deal with your cousin. She's cool, by the way... done wonders for Jay... too bad he's a schmuck half the time, but he's good to her. Who said anything about a date? I mean... um.. yeah, I'd like that, but... not if you... you want to?"

Mari laughed. "Jay...is just Jay.... Lily is wonderful and sweet...I love her to death...wait till her twin gets into town... holy geezum... " she rolled her eyes an affectionate smile on her face. "And I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want to... was thinking maybe...now... could do that sneaking out thing...or just walk up to them and tell them we are ditching them to go tear up the town on our own.... that is if you're interested?"

"Sure.. you want to just tell him now that we're eloping so he can collect whatever bet he has. I think he'll owe you a lovely present, don't you? Whatever his winnings are... you get, hm?"

"Ok... unless it's sex... I mean I love my cousin...but I dont LOVE my cousin." She smiled.

"Ehh... right," he nodded a little nervously. "We'll just let them know that we've both got a ride... um.. home... ride home."

"My ride or yours?" She winked.

"Absolutely," he said, not moving his eyes from hers. "What?"

"I said does Vegas for the weekend sound good to you?"

"Sounds great... I mean... what? Really? Oh shit... sorry," he realized he'd been a million miles away, lost in thoughts and daydreaming. "Sorry... really... but... yeah, it does sound great... Vegas...you want to go?"

"Yeah... love to..." She shook her head. "If I could... oh I so would...." She sighed, somewhat regretfully. "Well you know...if I work... yeah Carl would flip, love to have me more nights..." She mused out loud. "Work a few extra shifts next couple weeks...totally put the money back.... yeah...yeah.. ok lets go."

"All rationalized and ready? You want to tell them or should I? Or... you tell her one story... I'll tell him something else... by the time they figure it out, we're on the plane?" He hadn't realized until his forehead touched hers that he'd scooped her up closely, staring into her eyes, smiling at the possibilities.

Her laughter was sweet and excited. She was in his arms and pulled close before she knew it and she was nearly tingling at being in his arms. Her arms rested over his, one hand curling around his shouder, the other resting on his chest. She was lost and found in his wonderful blue eyes. "Ok.." She murmured, making no effort to move, she was good right where she was.

"Um... hi," he chuckled, dumbstruck and just... giddy. "Wanna dance up to the bar or just stay the night like this... I um... I kinda like this. What do you think?" He shrugged under her hand gently. Searching her eyes, he couldn't help himself, tilting to taste her smile.

She held her breath for a moment as his lips brushed hers. A small giggle was exhaled into the kiss she returned to him. Her fingers curled into his shirt as she stood up on tip toe to kiss and lean into his lips. She felt a slight tremble pass through her...a few moments later her eyes opened slowly. "I think I like this too." She whispered.

"We'll draw a crowd... mind?"he grinned. "I'm not too worried for right now, but.... um... what I've got going on in my head... I don't think I want to share with just anyone."

She chuckled and tugged him gently as she leaned up to kiss him again. She was smiling was she eased back. "If you feel like sharing any of what you have going on up there... you have my attention." She bit her lower lip, sucking it gently. "Perhaps we should get out of here...we could always resume this position later...somewhere less flashy?"

"Hey... get a room you two," Jay chuckled, resting a hand on Bert's shoulder, waving a bottle near them before setting it on the table. "Gonna take Lil home... can I trust him with you Mari... promise not to chew him up and spit him out?" He gave Bert the wink she wouldn't see.

Mari sighed smiling playfully. "I don't know... he looks pretty tastey to me..." She swayed gently in Bert's arms. "I think I may just have to eat him up.." She teased.

Jay mouthed 'twenty' and he watched Bert's eyes narrow.

"Excuse me a second," he said, nodding to Mari a moment before peeling from her to punch Jay's arm before he got out of range.

Jay winced and hopped a moment, rubbing his arm before lauging out loud and walking away.

Mari giggled and waved a cute goodbye to Jay. She wiggled her fingers at Lily who waited not far away for Jay to come back. Mari winked and smiled at Lily, before Bert turned around... letting her cousin know she liked him.

He turned around, the flare gone from his eyes as the playful anger faded. Slipping around her waist from behind he whispered in her ear, "I know this place... kinda quiet... belongs to this big dork I know." He nibbled fleetingly at her neck.

"Is it in Vegas?" She chuckled softly, teasing. Her head leaned to the side, offering more of her neck for his nibbling.

"Actually it's on Vine... about a mile from here. We can hang out for a bit and catch the plane in the morning. Game?" He nibbled a little more, finding himself dancing gently behind her. He whispered, "Mariah... about saying what's on my mind... not insinuating anything in particular, but... would you stay with me tonight?"

She leaned gently against him and closed her eyes. Thinking about it for a moment. "Yes." She nodded her head and half turned to give him a tender smile. "I'll stay with you."

"Hmmmm... .perfect, I'm thinking... although trying not to do too much of that. Let's go. You don't mind bikes, I hope. I met Killjoy Jay down here... it's all I have. You up for a ride?"

"No I don't mind ...I think a ride would be nice." She was smiling brightly, nearly giddy. What the heck was this guy doing to her... man those blue eyes were something else.

He smiled back, running a finger along her cheek. "Sense of adventure... I think I love that about you. C'mon... like I said, it's just a few blocks from here."

"Well what are we still doing here." She chuckled and slid her hand to his. "Let's get this adventure rolling." She tugged softly on his hand, leading towards the doors and grabbing her bag along the way. A simple blue messenger style 'pack' she toted her essentials around in.

Outside, he'd managed to park right up front and escorted her, holding her hand for her to get on.

She smiled, eyeing the bike and then getting on. She nestled behind him and he looped her arm around his waist.

The engine roared to life and they were off. 'A few blocks' translated into just better than two miles with the route he took, making a point to pass the gallery on the way. He rolled into the parking lot and pointed up to the one open window facing the street about five floors up.

She sighed and looked up. "You're not going to push me out that window are you?" She was leaning against him still from the ride, her chin resting on his shoulder.

He spoke over his shoulder, "Nah. Just showing I have a lovely view of the ocean... it's just a reaaaaaally wide beach."

"Lots of room to play." She smiled, still looking up at the building.

He nodded, "I suppose so... still coming up, right?"

"Absolutely." She hugged him gently and slid off the bike.

"Long way up.. elevator's not working.. and you've been dancing all night. Hop on."

[Lovely]

Her eyebrow arched and she grinned, but shook her head. "You don't have to... "

"Up ya go... come on."

"You're not carrying me up five flights.." She shook her head, looking back up at his window.

He shrugged and dove, scooping her over his shoulder. "Says who?" he chuckled.

Her hand went to her mouth to muffle the slight startled yelp. She laughed and wiggled. "Hey!" She slapped his bum.

He shook his backside and bounced her once, starting the trek inside.

"Hey now.." She protested weakly. Mari sighed and shook her head, hanging limply behind him. "How fair is it for you to carry me up all these stairs?"

"I volunteered"

"Right... but why?" Her fingers walked along his sides lightly, looking for a ticklish spot.

He shrugged, "Trying to be nice. You're on your feet on the stage and all... giving 'em a break."

"Umm nice... yeah ok... but up five flights is beyond nice." She chuckled softly. "It might border on insane."

He let out a wicked cackle and took to the stairs.

"Help! Help!" She said softly, with a giggle. "Oh no... should I be frightened? Cause I'm really rather excited... that you may have some insane tendencies."

He caught his breath a moment on the second landing. "Some? Tons.. you'll see... c'mon." He took the next flight two at a time.

"So do you work out? You seem to be in very good shape." She chuckled. "Ooghf" she 'grunted' softly as she was jostled on his shoulder as he took the stairs. "Are you saying you have alot of crazy in you? Cause that might just make me like you more."

"Told you... elev... ator's out...... been out for months."

"Ok.." She wiggled. "Enough... have to save some strength to be able to entertain me... I think I may have to carry you up some of the way."

He laughed, but did slow down. "Just can't talk.. and carry... whew... at the same time."

"Thats a sign that you are over exerting..." She tapped his bum again. "Come on... I don't want you to hurt yourself lugging this cow around.."

"What? What the... hell are you talking about?"

"You... me... the hernia you'll have from carrying me."

He shook his head. "Nope... we're there." He set her down gently and caught his breath quickly. "No hernia.. not a cow... don't know where the hell you got that idea.. in fact...," he paused, pulling her back closely, kissing her nose. "You're like a butterfly."

"Ummmokay...did you happen to eat crack smacks this morning?" She grinned, laughing lightly.

"Want some? I got milk," he motioned inside, winking.

"Ooooooo yay!" She bounced and hugged him excitedly.

"You.. can have whatever you want."

She eyed him up and down, a tiny smile curling her lips just so. "Really?"

He shrugged, jumping over the back of the couch and landing in a lounging position. "Sure... what would you like?"

She dove head first over the couch, doing a sort of hand stand into a roll and landing neatly into a sitting position with her leg draped over his. "I'll take a look around and let you know.." She winked. "But I think it's going to be a big thing...and you may not want to give it to me."

"Okay... I'll negotiate a trade, then," he winked, putting out his hands for hers to pull her down to cuddle next to him.

"Oh ooo... but that means we have to or you have to find something you want from me."

"Guess it does, doesn't it?"

"Uh huh." She took his hands and shifted down to cuddle with him. She sighed softly, curling to him more after a moment. He was incredibly comfortable and oh so cuddly.... like the perfect teddy bear only human sized. "Ok I know what I want.." She said in a murmured voice.

"Already? Ok... tell me," he whispered, shifting so he could see in her eyes. He kissed her temple gently.

"You ... to replace the body pillow I normally sleep with." She mmmed, stretching and curling around him. Her eyes sparkling as she met his gaze. "But that means I get to have all of you... heart, body, and all."

"Hmm... I'll think about it," he said. "Okay.. thought about it... fair's fair... you seem worried about even stevens... so... you get me... I .. get... you, hm?"

She caught her lower lip in her teeth, a cute playful smile. "Hmm I suppose it's only fair... are you sure thats what you want? Cause I think you might be more comfy than I am."

"Nope baby bear.. you're just right," he grinned, his eyes shuttering as he took her lips to his.

She kissed him gently, slowly exploring. Her fingers reached up resting lightly on his jaw as she lingered.

"You sure... you want me? Why's that?"

"Just cause I do.."

"What are planning on doing with me?... assuming you got me," he teased, whispering, nipping at her neck with tender kisses.

"Definitely more of this." She 'mmmed' and tilted her neck for his kisses. "Any thing...everything..."

"Any and every? And what do I get in return?"

"The same? Unless you want something different?"

"Nut uhn...," he muttered. "Same is good... like same."

She giggled, sguirming and stretching along him as he tickled here and there, and hit sensitive spots.

He chuckled, finding pleasure in just finding her out, his smile curious and timid, bold and gentle. "Still want to go to Vegas? We could.. um... just stay here."

"I guess...If you'd rather not go." Shrugs. "Sounded like fun... but hey I can make fun anywhere."

"I bet. We'll go... I mean.. we can still go, I just don't want to let go. Going.. means... leaving this spot right here and I don't think I want to. Not yet anyway."

"We don't have to...yet." She smiled softly. "It is... really nice right here."

"Yes."

"Yes?" Her finger plays lightly over his lower lip.

"Agreeing to your terms," he grinned. "All yours."

She clapped lightly, her eyes shining brightly as she leaned in to his lips with an empassioned kiss. "Mine." She whispered, making a grrr-ing sounds.

"Nut uhn," he said, sliding his arms wholly around her and suggesting gently. "Mine." His bright blue eyes seemed to flare and spark wildly in the dim light.

"Oh really?" She teased, softly.

He tickled her gently, "Yeah.. really. Problem?"

"Nope" She enounciated the 'p' sound and 'popped' her lips.

"Got an idea... promise you won't get mad or anything?"

"Ummm hard to promise that...if I don't know what it is...but I rarely get mad... so you're pretty safe...ok promise." She giggled.

"Nothing bad... just... well it's a perspective thing. Would... would you like to join me in the other room?"

"Which other room? and...what for?"

"Cuddlespace.. in there," he nodded backwards, somewhat to the partially closed door behind the kitchen.

"Cuddlespace... I could get into more of that." She grinned. "Lead the way Goldilocks." She winked playing back the baby-bear he had called her.

"Ooo... then look what I found sleeping in my bed, hm?" He sat up and scooped her up with him, this time setting her on the floor to walk. "Feel free to be free and easy here.. it's just me," he said, sliding out of shoes, socks and the flannel overshirt he'd been wearing, leaving a muscle-revealing black tee and a previously hidden and tight muscular butt in clear view.

She followed him into the bedroom, looking around. She looked at the bed and then to him. "You sure...about that?" She meant the free and easy comment.

[Lovely]

"I'm as much a comfy kinda guy as I am crazy and Italian.. in no particular order... please... I insist."

"Ok." She shrugged and nodded at the same time. She smiled leaned over to lightly kiss his cheek. Shoes and socks were slipped off as well as her bra from under her shirt and then her jeans. Leaving her in only a shirt and silky panties. She sighed soflty looking at him with a gentle smile. "Comfy."

"Mmm hmm," he smiled, walking backwards, pushing the door open with his shoulder, not taking his eyes off of her. The door opened to another world.. mystic and creative, pictures and sculptures, paints and candles, canvas and clay in varying states of completion all over.

"Wow.." She breathed, looking around with curious and appreciative eyes. She stopped and stood in one place, letting her eyes roll over things and then stopping on him. She smile had softened and sweetened in degrees.

Picking up a battered bandana, he held it up to his side above the bed, "Toro, toro... andalee... yeeha."

Her hand came up to the sides of her head to make horns and she stamped her foot lightly, puffing. She eye him and the bandana, puffing some more and then charging.

"Yeeehah," he said, taunting her with the bandana, shifting it to let her land on the piles of blankets that lay heaped on the unmade bed.

She giggled and tumbled into the pile. Rolling on her back she pushed at him with her foot. "Come here.." She crooked her finger, and beckoned him closer, a mischievious smile on her lips.

He tossed the bandana aside and tumbled alongside her onto his back, curling his pillow under his head in one hand, the other scooping around her.

She rolled into his arms and nearly on top of him. Her giggle muffled into his shoulder. Mari lifted her head to smile at Bertoli.

"Hey you. Better? More room? See... an extra pillow even," he said, reaching behind him to grab it and pat her back with it teasingly.

"Lots more room." She made a face when he patted her with the pillow and rolled around the bed, away from him and then back. "Nice and roomy."

"Nice and quiet too. I don't even hear the street tonight," he said, looking to the open window. The curtains sat still, no breeze to speak of. "You like music? Candles? I got some wicked incense... stuff that should almost be illegal, know what I'm saying?"

"Music?" She chuckled. "You're laying here with a dancer...of course I like music...love music."

"Hmmm, but this music's a little different... totally different kinda dance," he said, shifting to reach over his head to the CD player, just turning on the disc that was loaded. "Eastern influence, techno kinda... a little of everything, really."

((Dead Can Dance))

She shrugged. "As long as it's music.." She propped on her elbows. "Now... you said candles... that could be nice... set a mellow mood." She chuckled and stretched. "Incense... if you say it's good... go for it...do it all.. or whatever you like and would be comfortable with."

He reached back down and kissed her nose. "Long as you're comfy too. If you're serious about coming with me to Vegas, we'll need rest first." He rolled away to grab a lighter. "Don't know if you smoke or not.. knock yourself out. Lighter's here. I don't.. not anymore," he said, lighting a few flames around the sculpture on the table.

"I was.. am serious..said I would go...means I'll go.." She smiled, resting her head on her arm.

He curled back next to her. "Those will burn out on their own, so no worries there. The incense is light... enticing," he said, pulling her into another tender kiss.

She melted a little, sighing softly as she pulled away. "mm was that my goodnight kiss then?" She smiled.

"Not quite," he said, grinning, slipping the tee off and letting her fingers brush his cool skin. "Comfy now."

She eyed the heap of blankets and asked quietly. "Any chance that can be untangled?" She chewed her lower lip. "I have this thing about having a blankie when I sleep... a security thing."

He reached around her and felt for the edges, only needing to dislodge her a little bit for the mass to come up over her to her shoulders. "Cozy?"

She nodded, cuddling up to him. Her leg drapped over on of his and rested between his on the bed, her arm slid around his waist and her head rested on his chest and shoulder. "Mmmhmm." She murmured, letting her eyes close and enjoying the comfortable closeness.

The wisp of smoke from the incense tickled around them and the gentle candle glow licked at her features. "Psst... up here," he whispered.

She tipped her head up and opened her eyes. "Mm yes?"

"This... is your goodnight kiss," he said, pulling her up to his lips, lingering, soothing and lulling her tenderly.

"Thank you..." She whispered. "Goodnight."

He smiled and laid back, rubbing her shoulders gently. Eventually his hand went slack as he fell asleep.

****next morning****

The sound of a horn blaring outside the window woke him with a start and he jumped, forgetting the visitor who lay beside him. As quickly as he jolted, he relaxed, turning to her and kissing her cheek. "Psst.. baby bear... "

She mumbled in her sleepy state and rolled to her other side, curling onto a somewhat ball.

He chuckled quietly and slipped away to let her doze, slipping in another CD of quiet music over her head. He padded off to the kitchen, stretching and yawning, disappearing long enough to grab two glasses and some juice.

She awoke more fully to realize she wasn't in her bed. She sat up and then laid back, smiling... realizing where she was and the disorientation fading. "Ohhh Goldilocks.." She called softly, smiling at the sleepy memory of him calling her baby bear.

He came back through the door as she rose up, "Hey sunshine. Want some?" He lifted the glasses. "Toast too if you're hungry."

"Jelly?" She grinned, curling her legs and sitting indian style. She reached to help him with the two glasses. "Thank you.... breakfast in bed? Wow...what did I do to deserve that?"

"Stayed asleep," he grinned. "So now... you want to pack a bag or just buy what we need there?"

"Oh, such a good girl am I." She gave him a cute little smile and sighed. "I can't afford to buy everything there...I'll need to run to my place and throw a few things in a bag."

"Okay. Anywhere you want to stay. Name it."

She shrugged. "A place that has a roof without leaks and a bed with clean sheets."

"Then just visit the big funny looking places and stay someplace... well... comfy," he chuckled. "Think we got our own theme thing going... forget that New York and Star Trek crap."

"Comfy is good, comfy works for me."

"Okay then. Let me call my travel agent," he chuckled, sliding a laptop from under the bed and connecting online. He clicked a few sites and waited, entering a code and getting arrangements started. "So... first class... standby.. next flight out.... get there by... hmm... sometime before tomorrow if we're lucky... stay at... four stars or five?" He sounded like he was teasing and typing random keys, but if she slid next to his shoulder and looked over, he was serious, booking the fancy party for baby bear.

"My hotels usually don't have stars...so whichever." She set her glass aside and lay back on the bed. Her hand folded over her belly and a small happy grin on her face. "Wow...I haven't taken off like this in... years."

"Have you ever?"

"Yeah...once me and a couple girlfriends took off on a spontaneous road trip... "

"Cool... sorry I missed them," he winked at her over the laptop. "Okay... toast... with jelly... juice... you're welcome to the shower."

She lightly wrapped her legs around him, careful to go around the laptop. Pushing herself up to sitting again she leaned in and kissed him. "Thanks, but I'll wait." She slowly laid back. "I have nothing to change into."

"Says who? Mi casa y su casa... help yourself."

Her fingers played with the slim side straps of her panties and she nudges him with her foot. Tugging on one side of the silken under garments she smiled. "Do you think we take the same size?"

His eyes were drawn to the movement of her hand at the garment. Not intending to stare, he found himself glancing along the edges of the fabric and over the tattooes. "Those are nice. Pretty."

Her fingers traced lazy circles over the ink marks. "I like them." She smiled. "Find me something to wear...I'll be in the shower...." She propped up on her elbows. "Unless you'd like to conserve water and share?"

[Lovely]

"All about conservation. If you're offering, I'm accepting," he said softly. "Go ahead.. I'll join you in a minute. The boiler works as well as the elevator doesn't... plenty of hot water.. more than. Just don't scald yourself... I'd never forgive myself."

"Would you kiss it all better?" She winked as she lifted her leg up and over his head. Turning to let it hang over the side of the bed with the other.

"Theoretically? I'd love to," he smiled. "But believe me.. a scald like that, you'd kill me if I tried."

She chuckled. "Well I wasn't planning on scalding myself just so you'd kiss me. Other things, maybe...but I'm more direct..."

"I'll kiss you all better anyway if you want," he teased, resting a hand on her knee and reaching to kiss her neck.

"I want.." She murmured stretching her neck so there was more exposed for him to kiss.

Careful to keep from straying, his fingers gently gripped at her knee. His thumb, anxious to explore, rubbed her thigh tenderly as he kissed softly along her neck and nibbled at her ear.

She shivered softly making a slight noise as he nibbled her ear. Her eyes reflexively closing at the sensation.

His breath caught at the sound of her shiver. "Um.. maybe we should... you know...," he whispered, prompting her stop him before he went too far.

"Maybe we should." She whispered back, turning her head to catch his lips. A kiss that was tender and sweet, lingered on his mouth.

He smiled and chuckled under her kiss, "Shower... should shower.. yeah.. um... mmm."

"Yeah." She whispered kissing him again. "Shower would be nice.." But her lips seemed to have a mind of their own as they clung lightly to his, bestowing soft kisses.

The chuckle faded to soft humming of pleasure and his smile fading to awe and gentle curiosity as he leaned with her slowly, back to the pillows.

Her hand raised to cup his cheek as they leaned back. Her soft 'mmm' drifted into a deeper kiss as her body reached, curling to his.

Shifting gently, she stretched and curled just as he did, her petite form nestling perfectly against his. Reaching his hand to her back, he found it against her skin where the shirt had raised. Rolling her atop him, his other hand met her back, caressing gently, massaging her shoulders.

She sighed, melting further into him within the kiss. The feel of his lips brushing hers and his hands on her back sent another tiny shiver through her. She gasped softly against his lips, her eyes closed as she fully enjoyed the attentions passed between them.

He reached up to adjust the pillow and hit the radio, the sounds of an oldies rock station suddenly blaring around them. He chuckled at the particular song that came on, singing along, "... girl... you really got me... you got me so I don't what I'm doin', yeah..."

She couldn't help the giggle that tumbled out. She leaned against him, letting the laugh roll over them, her head on his shoulder. She hugged him and snuggled for a few moments.

"... girl... I want to stay with you.. all of the time... all day .. and all of the night...," he continued, holding her close and kissing the top of her head.

One hand drew little circles on his chest as she smiled, listening to him sing along. Mari chuckled once more and lifted her head to share a beautiful smile with him. "Do you believe in things like fate or love at first sight...anything like that?" She asked softly.

He grinned, searching her eyes and whispered, "I'm beginning to."

"Me too."

"Hmmm... so Watson.. what do you suppose that means?" He whispered, doing his best 'Holmes'.

She chuckled. "Somethin' tells me..I'm into somethin goood.." She sang.

"That's not how the song goes, silly," he teased, shutting the radio off, preferring to hear her sing. "Mmmmm... about that shower. Can we find you something to wear after?"

She sighed and stretched lightly. "Sure...after the shower works." She slid off him and the bed, turning she headed towards the door. "Now just one thing...which way to the shower?" She smiled, peeking out the bedroom door.

"If you find you're standing next to radishes and mustard, you've gone the wrong way... out the door.. opposite the kitchen."

"OooH you have radishes and mustard?!?" She licked her lips. "I mean um... so that way to the shower, huh?" She scooted out walking towards the door opposite direction as the kitchen.

He chuckled. "Yours if you want 'em.. knock yourself out. Yes.. that way... no no.. your other left.. there you go."

She slipped into the bathroom turing on the shower and adjusting the water temperature. She stripped off the little bit of clothes she was wearing and waited a few moments before getting in the shower. She checked the temp a couple times to make sure it wasn't too hot, remembering what he said about the boiler. Sliding her clothes off to the side with one foot, she then stepped into the water stream, closing her eyes and letting herself get all wet.

"Bertoli, my friend.. you've gotten in deep, haven't you.. mm mm mmm... wow," he smiled, burying back in his pillow blissfully for a moment, closing his eyes in a silent prayer of thanks. He got up, chuckling and dug through looking for a tee shirt and overshirt he'd remembered he'd shrunk miserably in the wash. He'd intended to use them later for his painting and clay, but they were still in good shape and just fine for her. He set these aside and wondered what to do about the rest. He'd figure that out in a moment... right now the shower called to him as did she. He didn't want to be away too long. He slipped out of his shorts and prayed he wouldn't embarass himself as he joined her.

She turned halfway to smile at him as he came into the shower behind her. "You have nice smelling shampoo.." She giggled as she turned around fully and tipped her head back to rinse the suds from her hair.

"Yes you do," he said, looking her over as she turned toward him. "I mea... huh? Oh... man... sorry," he chuckled. "I mean thanks.. yeah... I like it."

She only half heard him as the water poured over her. Hair slicked back as she took her head from under the faucet. "Hmm? If you keep this shampoo stocked, I'll be coming over to shower all the time." She teased.

Thank god, he thought. She either didn't hear it or she's hiding it well. He puffed out a sigh of nerves and reached around her for the cloth, stepping tentatively closer. "I'll get it by the case if that's a promise," he teased, soaping the cloth and gently rubbing her with it as he leaned over her, his other hand against the wall behind her.

Mari smiled, a bit shyly with him so close...and so wet. She took in a deep breath, trying not to stare at him... but she could help her eyes from wandering over him a little. He was cute dressed and very nice undressed. She swallowed and lifted her eyes from where they were heading. She brushed against him as she shifted and sighed, thorougly enjoying the pampering as he washed her. She turned her head as a soft chuckled escaped her lips. "This is..different...nice.." She said softly, with a slight blush.

"You're welcome.. hey.. no need to be shy, okay? This is me here.. audience of one."

"..I guess you caught me.... I'm not a ... well, I am naughty...but not that bad...this would be my first co-ed shower." She shook her head and chuckled. "This is ruining the tarnished image of strippers, everywhere.."

"I'll let you in on a little secret," he grinned, looking at her from a lowered brow and chuckling. "You tell Jay, I'm a dead ma... no, no he's a dead man... yeah."

Her finger lifted from under his chin so he looked her in the face. "Ok... " She smiled. "You can tell me anything you feel like."

"Mine too... shhhhh... I'm supposed to be the macho, take no prisoners guy... and.. well..," he chuckled and told her straight up. "Nervous as hell. I don't want to screw it up with you..."

Her smile was soft as she closed her eyes and opened them. "Want some advice on how not to screw it up with me?"

His eyes rolled up to the ceiling, begging for the death to be quick and painless. He came back to her gaze, searching her eyes.

"Don't worry about being what you're supposed to be..... just be what you are... be you." She leaned closer. "Cause I like you enough to get in the shower with you... that says a lot about what I think so far." She kissed him softly.

He nodded, mouthing an 'okay' behind an embarrassed grin as he looked to the floor. He turned a shy glance back up to her, "Hey, you know that thing you asked earlier... what I believe? Yeah... I really think I do.. believe it I mean."

"Do you?" She asked softly, giving him a small grin. "Your turn.." She gently took the wash cloth from his hand.

"Yeah... I do," he nodded, leaning to her lips as she took the cloth from his hand.

He was making her knees weak with the sweet way he kept kissing her. She returned the kiss tenderly. She reached for the soap and lathered up the cloth, gentle and light she ran it over him. She washed him thoroughly, slowly and softly moving over his shoulders chest and abs. She stepped closer, wrapping her arm around him to wash his back, lingering close to him for longer than needed.

His breath was shallow as she pressed against him and he found himself moving slowly, dancing gently against her. He stopped and moved back just a little, watching her eyes as he guided her hand to rest at his hip. He let her fingers go, close to him, permission if she so desired to explore as he kissed her more deeply than before.

[Lovely]

March 31, 2008
Vegas hotel room

Bert was checking out the balcony that was hardly wide enough for a fold-out chair let alone any fun times unless they wanted cramps and scrapes from the not-so-elegant concrete barrier. It offered a view and not much else. Well that was settled. He jumped back through the window and scooped Mari into his arms.

Mari was standing in the room, watching him check out the balcony, but had not followed him out there, she was actually quite content to watch him. She'd only just turned away to look at the rest of the room when he jumped back in and swept her up. "Oh.. I have been scooped.." She giggled, suddenly finding herself in his arm. "Hi."

"Yes, yes you have. Hi," he smiled, hugging her like a teddy bear. "Okay, so it was supposed to be a door to the beauty of the sights and sounds of Sin City. We got sounds, not so much sights. Psh... details. I think we'll be okay... wait... there's another S I was forgetting there. Hmmm."

She really didn't know what he was talking about and just giggled again. "So any reason you have scooped me...or just for no reason at all?" Her eyes nearly glowed, with delight at being here with him.

"You were the only hot blonde in the room?"

Smiling with a hint of wicked as she teased him. "So...if there was another hot blonde in the room, you would have scooped her?"

"Wouldn't think anyone else was hot.. just you," he grinned.

"Oh..?" She chewed her bottom lip to one side, giving a cute half smile. "Sooo." One of her arms was draped gently around his shoulders, curving down his back a bit. Her fingers played lightly with the collar of the button down shirt he was wearing.

"So.. here we are. You.. me... Vegas... the room okay?" He smiled, finding his hand on her waist. "How do you do that?"

"The room is great." She said in a soft voice. Her eyes never left his face to even glance around the room as she spoke. Her smile warm, excited and inviting as she stood in his arms, completely content to stay right where she was. "Do what?" Her eyes narrowed a moment, questioning.

"That... totally magic.. mesmerize me like that," he whispered, leaning to kiss her softly.

She chuckled and it vibrated against his lips as she returned the kiss. She held him for a moment, her hand sliding to the back of his neck. Her mouth softly explored his, tenderly learning just the right way to kiss him. Testing sweetly to find out what he enjoyed the most.

He leaned into the attention, loving every bit of everything she gave to him, hoping that he was just as sweet to her in return. He groaned happily beneath the kiss, his smile building.

The one arm remained as it was, curled up around his neck. Her other hand slid up his arm and rested on his bicep, fingers lightly curling.

"Hmmm... you know... we're gonna plant roots we stay standing like this... you feel like getting cozy or you want to go outside and play a little.. before.. erh.. you know what I mean."

"Roots aren't a bad thing.." She murmured against his lips. The soft chuckle vibrated her chest lightly as she held it back. "Cozy, I want more cozy...we can go out later... we just got here...it has been a long drive..." She stifled a yawn. "We could rest up a little than go paint the town..."

"Nice thing about Vegas... reasonable room service. What sounds good? I think if I see another potato chip, I'll turn into a P'Tata head doll."

"Aww how cute..." She tugged his arm lightly, with a playful wink. "Then I can take your arm and put it where your nose goes and put your nose where you ears goes." She giggled and kissed him softly. "Where do they keep the menu...by the phone right?" She pulled him after her as she ran to the bed and flopped down, reaching for the phone and menu, getting ready to cuddle close to him once he joined her so they could look over the menu.

He slid down beside her, leaning on an elbow and looking over her shoulder. "Whatever you want... even if you want beer.. wine... mineral water.. whatever... heck the California Raisins if they're on there... whatever sounds fun, okay?"

She pointed to some decadent dessert and giggled. Her eyes shining as she rolled to her back and smiled teasingly. "That...but we have to eat it with our fingers... for the fun factor."

He whispered in her ear, "Who needs fingers?" He licked her cool skin and nipped tenderly.

She curled and giggled. "Well...when you do that...who needs dessert?" She had lost her shoes some where in the room, moments after they came through the door. The back of a curled finger stroked his cheek, feeling the day's growth of stubble.

"Sooo... I know what I'm having... how about you?"

"Having?"

"Dessert... it's not on the menu though."

"oh.." She raised and eyebrow at him.

He started to sing lines from 'Savoy Truffle' as he tickled her

She laughed and pushed his hands away." as he tickled her. "Ahh stop..no." She gasped between laughs.

"Cool cherry cream, nice apple tart
I feel your taste all the time we're apart ...," he sang, stopping the tickling to pull around her as she curled into a ball. "Can I call you mine?"

She smiled snuggling close to him as he stopped tickling and curled to her. She giggled softly and found his hands to wrap his arms around her more tightly as she rested back to him. She leaned into him as she half rolled and lay on her back. "Yours?... now why would you want to do that?" She softly whispered, looking into his eyes.

He shrugged. "Seemed like a good idea at the time... wanting to keep you and all that."

"You want to keep me?" She smiled, a soft sweet curve of her lips as her eyes sparkled and danced. "So...you'd be happy if I said yes..you could keep me?"

"I'm happy now just being here, but a 'yes' willingly would likely keep me from trying to tickle one out of you," he threatened with a finger and a raised eyebrow.

"I'm happy being here with you, too." She grabbed his finger and put it in her mouth. Holding it lightly in her teeth as she batted her lashes at him. Releasing his finger with a light kiss to the tip of it, she laced her fingers with his. "Yes."

"Really?" He seemed genuinely shocked that she said it. "Like.. you'd really be my girl?"

She nodded. "Really...yes.. I'd love to be your girl."

"Really," he whispered again, trying to fathom. "You know what this means.. that you're stuck with me." He brushed her cheek with the finger she released. "Yup.. I think I really do believe, Mariah.... you know... that first sight thing."

"I think, I'll like being stuck with you.." She used her elbows to push herself up so she could kiss him softly. "Believing is a good thing.... " She laid back and put her hand over his heart and took his hand and put it over her heart. "But what you feel is important too."

He felt the gentle pumping of her heart under his fingers and leaned to take her lips to his again. "Feels pretty good," he said against her bottom lip as he nipped at it.

He would have felt her heart beat faster when he kissed her. She nipped back at him, catching him in a soft kiss. "Feels wonderful to me." She breathed over his lips.

He chuckled gently. "That feels even better," he said, finding himself searching her eyes and nearly saying it out loud, but opting to tell her silently with the kiss... falling.

The kiss was beautiful, almost magical as she sighed and melted into it. She was going...yeah head over heels... Her heart felt as though it were singing.

"You ever see the movie Grease?" he whispered. "Dunno if it will make sense if you haven't."

"Yeah... about two hundred times..." She shook her head, chuckling lightly.

He grinned and started slowly, "We go together like ... Ra-ma la-ma la-ma ka ding-a da ding-de dong.... remembered forever as
shoo-bop sha wad-da wad-da yip-pi-ty boom de boom.... you know?"

"Chang chang chang-it-ty chang
shoo-bop.. That's the way it should be ..Wha oooh yeah!" She grinned and continued, knowing as she had seen the movie hundreds of times. Working in a video store in her teens and the other girl had a thing for Grease...so it played every night. "We're one of a kind...Like dip da-dip da-dip.Doo-wop a doo-bee doo..Our names are signed
Boog-e-dy boog-e-dy boog-e-dy..."

"Yeah... we go together kinda like that, huh?"

"You think so?" She teased, her smile sweet and simply unstopable. Mari couldn't help it, she just looked at him, next to her and this sweet little happy smile came to her lips.

"Know so. Your smile is so something else, you know that? It's just so.. I dunno.. just perfect."

"It is not!" She pushed his arm, lightly, a slight rosey blush tinting her cheeks.

"It's perfect for me," he insisted, trying to purse his own smile away, hiding a crooked smile underneath. He didn't smile broadly often, but could hardly help himself around her. "Mariah.. um... "

"Yeah?" She practically beamed at him, her dark eyes twinkling as she reached up brushed her fingers along his cheek.

"Um... well... okay... a four-letter word.. beginning with 'L'... take your pick... I think they all fit."

"Lick?" She giggled.

"Okay, if you insist," he shrugged playfully, starting gently at her ear.

"mmm ahh hmmm" She breath caught and she shivered only making a slight sound as he licked her highly sensitive ears and neck.

[Lovely]

His voice tickled against the back of her neck as he whispered closely, "Any other 'L' come to mind?"

"Lots.." She murmured feeling chills run along her skin. "I ah... tell me which one you want and it's yours.." She said in a breathy voice.

" 'Lots' I can do," he whispered. "I'll even let you do fewer or more letters... like... lap... linger.... languish....."

"Oh... I love those words.." She whispered, her fingers on his chin to bring his lips to hers.

"Mmm... that's an L I think I want to use more and more... with you."

She paused in her kisses and slowly opened her eyes. "Love?" She whispered against his lips, her soft breath wisping over his lips.

He nodded an affirmative, slowly as his eyes closed and his lips hovered whisperingly soft over hers.

"Well you let me know.. ok.." She laid back against the bed again and sighed. "Feel free to use what ever word you -feel- like using." Her voice was soft, sweet, slightly teasing.

"Hmmm.. how about... light?" He asked, brushing a finger from her chin to the top of her blouse on her chest, so lightly he gave her goosebumps. "Lift?"

Her eyes tried to watch his finger, but found she could not follow it and instead brought her eyes to his face. The smile that had etched itself on her face and shone so brightly for him, remained. "Any other words...?"

"Mmmhmm... loosen... but not if you don't... I mean... god, I want to, but not if..."

"Loosen?" Her lips pursed and she undid the first button of her shirt. Her smile returned and she looked up at him as she undid the next two and let her hands fall back.

"Look...," he grinned, saying it before tentatively shifting his eyes to peek at the shifted blouse. The shower had been one thing, but this was ceremonial and needed to be done right, even if this was as far as it went. He was in no hurry, but at the same time, wishing time would race for him to be with her.

"Look...hmmm look is a nice word...looook." She slowly let it roll from her tongue. "Anything in particular you want to look at?" She brushed a finger over his cheek. This was probably the sweetest any guy had ever been when letting her know he wanted her. "Can.. oh... I'm really going to ruin strippers images with this..." She blushed and closed her eyes a moment.

"That's not the image I have of you... it may be what you do, but it's not who you are," he said, dipping to kiss her collar bone and gently lower, shifting the blouse away as he undid the lower button, opening it completely to the tank underneath.

"It's not who I am.. it's just what I love to do... well dancing is... I suppose the drunk men ogling me is not so loveable..." She turned her head and nipped his ear lightly. "But you know I am so very glad it's what I do... I wouldn't have met you otherwise."

"Not necessarily true.. your cousin and her lout of a hood ornament.... I mean.. don't get me wrong, Jay's my best friend, but he's still a jackass."

"Riiight, but I wouldn't have been able to introduce him to Lily if he didn't come into the club every week..."

"Eh.. details," he puffed. "Enough about them. Where.. was... I? Oh yeah... 'look'. Is it.. um... okay for a non-drunk guy to ogle you?"

"Only if his name is Bertoli." She whispered.

He nodded, watching her eyes as his fingertip lined along the edge of the unbuttoned blouse, along her chest to her navel where the tank cropped short. Catching the hem he drew it back up tenderly, slowly shifting the fabric to reveal the tip of the uppermost tattoo on her front that he dipped to kiss lightly.

"mmm I like the way you look at things." She spoke softly, her arms going loosely around his shoulders. His lips tickled lightly against her skin and sent the tiniest of shivers through her.

"One doesn't see with the eyes alone, hm?" He made his point to 'look' more as his lips traveled behind the tank as he lifted it, lingering and nipping.

"Of course not." She breathed the words out, shifting and moving to pull the tank top the rest of the way off.

He moved away little to let the tank and blouse fall from her to come back.

After a few minutes attending to her, not wanting to make her raw or sore, he kissed back up to her lips, pausing to whisper, "Then there's... lower..."

"L-lower?" She smiled a bit more shyly and bit her lower lip. Looking into his bright blue eyes for a long moment she slowly nodded permission. "Lower." She whispered her smile still shy, but her eyes curious and excited.

Leaning back, he evened things a little, lifting his shirt over his toned shoulders and pulling his belt out of the loops, tossing the pieces to the floor. He slid against her, his warm chest against her cool skin, his heart racing.

"Mmmhmm... lower... but maybe that can wait for a while, hm? We've got time, right?"

"Plenty of time....take all the time you want." She smiled softly. "We have all the time in the world."

"Yup, cuz I'm not going anywhere... unless you're with me. How's that sound? Although I might go back here a while," he grinned, licking ever so lightly to tease her more.

"I...ah.." She took a deep breath and let it out softly.

"Cotton candy," he whispered.

"What?"

"Sweet... like cotton candy.. and you melt.. you know?" He smiled sweetly, laying down beside her and pulling her closer to his bared chest.

"Not really...but if you say so." She rolled on her side to face him, a tentative finger reaching to run lightly over a pectoral.

"Yeah.. really. Hey there," he watched her eyes as she drew on his chest.

"hmm?" Her eyes lifted from watching her finger trail over his skin.

"Quarter for your thoughts?"

"Wasn't thinking too much..... just how nice this is... you are.."

"Nice?" He looked over his shoulder. "You mean me? What makes you say that?"

"Everything...since I met you."

"Thank you. That's ... well.. it is.. nice of you to say so. Not used to hearing ... I dunno.. I just don't hang with people much, so I don't really hear a lot of anything," he said, looking a little confused a moment, then smiling warmly.

"Hmmm another thing we have in common... I don't hang out with poeple much... I mean I have plenty of 'friends'." She made the quotation marks as she said the word friends. "People seem to like me, and if I wanted to go party or whatever all the time...I probably could... it's just not me... I mean don't get me wrong..I love a good time and a great party or a night out is fun...but I am not like some of those 'friends' who seem to spend all their time hanging out... with nothing else to do... seems kind of pointless to do nothing but hang out...same people, same place all the time... I mean sure if you're a couple... it's nice to be together alot, but even then... monotony.... even a couple needs to keep things interesting...do more than just one thing all the time... here I go babbling again...why do you let me do that?" She grinned, giving him a light poke.

"First time... I don't mind. I like listening to you."

"First time?"

"Rambling.. that I've heard .. or that you've drawn attention to," he shrugged, rolling to his back, resting his hand behind his head. "I really don't mind."

"Oh... hmm I think I rambled when we met...something about whale penis?" She chuckled, rolling onto her stomach so the sort of faced eachother as they talked. "I mean..right oh yeah.. I don't ramble."

"I thought that was really interesting, though. I've never talked about whale dicks in a bar before.... dorks.. excuse me. And here's me saying just what falls out of my brain. Sorry."

"Well It's not everyday bar conversation, I have to admit... " She propped her chin in her hands, giving him a small happy smile. "It's ok...you can say anything... whatever falls out of your brain is ok.."

"Kinda just does... I really don't think before I say stuff. I'll apologize now," he pointed to his foot. "Size 11... and I carry a salt shaker, just in case."

"But... well I like that... honest straight forward.. amusing, sweet... if you just say what's there... then I won't have to worry about second guessing anything...cause i know you'll just say what's on your mind.

"Nooooo-pe," he said, grinning, lacing his hand in hers, pulling their hands to his belly. "'Fraid it's true... the epitome of mindless male. Lucky for you, an artist.. at least I'm not stupid and mindless... just... kinda weird."

"I think I can handle weird.. I think I like weird..if you are what weird is... as long as you feel that same way about my weird and quirky ways... we'll be just fine."

[Lovely]

April 1, 2008
Vegas hotel room

"Pssst... hey... 'mornin' baby bear," he nudged.

"mmm...mmmmmm" She stretched sleepily along side him, her eyes slowly opening. "Morning already?" She murmured, snuggling closer to him and a sweet sleepy smile beamed up at him.

"'Fraid so. I think we were tired. Look," he said, grinning. They hadn't moved from the way they'd laid down, still half-clothed.

"I guess we were." She kissed his chest, opting away from his mouth for fear she may have the morning dragon in her mouth.

"Did we ever actually order food? I don't remember them coming to the door," he said, yawning, turning away to stretch.

She sighed and rolled over and got up from the bed. Standing to stretch her arms up over her head and back behind her, curling herself back as she moved. "No..I don't...think we ever got to the ordering.."

"Tell me what you want and I'll get that going if you want the bathroom first, okay?" He picked up the menu and looked it over, pacing a little and going to the window, braving the daylight beyond. "Oh look... a stunning view.. of a wall. How about that? But, there's a pool and the time and temp across the street says... wow, 90 already?"

"90? Oh wow.. good thing we packed light..." She smiled. "I want a delicious and sinful breakfast. Scrambled eggs, toast, sausage, bacon, homefries, and pancakes with lots of syrup...mmm the works!" She was padding off towards the bathroom.

"What? No porridge for baby bear?" He teased. He checked the list and made sure it was all on there and placed the order as she closed the door. Then he was torn... to follow her in or wait? Man, but the temptation had been strong, but why rush? He reminded himself that it wasn't going to be like that... slow.. slow was good. He smoothed out the blankets and set out the bags to put clothes away.

She emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a large 'fluffy' white towel. Her hair was damp and mussed and starting to curl at the ends. She smiled at Bertoli, hugging the towel around her breasts. "There's a massaging showerhead... I considered never getting out!"

He turned to her from where he lay on the bed, hand behind his head again, and flipping through the same set of fifteen channels of local access and cable that he'd been staring at while he waited. He raised an eyebrow. "Oh really," he grinned, teasing. "Well I suppose I could just pack back up and let you and Mr. Waterpic have the room?"

"Ack! NO!" She pounced on him, paying no mind or not caring that her towel slipped away. "Uh uh...you're not leaving... "

"I'm not? You sure?" He smiled up at her, running his fingers on her softly scented and damp skin. A low rumble of delight ran through him, "I'm sure.. I'm not going anywhere. God you're beautiful."

She giggled lightly at his words. "Am not.." She said slightly bashful, she looked into his dazzling blue eyes for a long moment. "Mmmhmmm...I'm sure... I don't want you going anywhere..." She brushed her nose against his. "Unless we're going together." She whispered softly.

She felt good against him.. all over good as his arms slid over her back, her knees resting at his sides. He brushed along her cool skin, tipping up to kiss her softly, letting his hands slide down her sides to her hips, stopping at her thighs, as his kiss deepened slightly, his breath catching a touch.

The slightest of trembles passed over her as the kiss deepened. Her lips parted and her tongue slowly and lightly curled out to touch his. Her fingers slid softly up his arms as she leaned further down to meet his kiss.

"Hey," he said, a bit nervous. "Um.. maybe I should.. yeah... my turn, huh? Shower... yeah."

She nibbled his lower lip lightly for a moment, as if pondering the idea. "Ok... I should probably think about clothes of some sort.." She looked down at herself with the tiniest of chuckles and a shy smile. "Yeah..." She giggled, leaned down and bestowed a sweet kiss to his lips and slid off him so he could get up.

He sat up slowly, looking her over, not being shy about his eyes lingering. "You.. um... can think about it, but don't decide just yet. Let me um...," he motioned to the bathroom, his eyes not leaving her. "Just.. yeah."

She smiled rolling to her belly and resting her head on her folded arms. "Alright... enjoy the shower." She said softly.

"That's not.. um.. right... nevermind. Be right back," he said, hopping quickly to shower.

The shower was hurried and short. The feelings were too good to wash away with the grime of the trip. He managed a shave and kissed his electric razor, thankful for lack of cuts and spit out the morning breath in a flash to return to her as quickly as he could. He might have even been singing.. he didn't notice.

He stepped out, graced by the covering of only a towel tucked around his waist, his damp hair, short and spikey, being rubbed lightly with another.

She had not gotten dressed yet, was lounging on the bed. Laying on her tummy with her knees curled and her ankles crossed, she lazily licked on a lolipop while flipping through a tourist guidebook. Her head lifted as she slowly swirled the pop across her lips, her tongue wrapping around it. "Wow...." She breathed out. "Anyone ever tell you that you look incredible.. fresh from the shower?"

"Once... really recently," he smiled. "So who done it? Or did the guy get the girl yet?" He pointed to the oh-so-interesting reading material.

"Once? Well they were right." She slipped the lolipop back in her mouth, swirling and sucking on it before pulling it back out. "You know I think it was a conspiracy. The hooker and the salesman's wife... I think they did the stuffy butler in." She grinned flipping the book closed.

"Sucks to be a butler in those stories, huh? And thank you," he said, meaning her compliment as he folded the towel in his hand and tossed it back around the corner in the bathroom. "Find what you'd like to do today?"

She winked at him. "Uh huh..." She crooked her finger and beckoned him closer. "Anything... we feel like... everything... long as it's with you."

"Ooo.. .liking... mmm. ... "L" ing the sound of that... take your pick again," he chuckled, moving over to sit by her on the bed. "Hmm... fair's fair I suppose. Mademoiselle?" He stood by and offered the hip where the towel was tucked to keep it wrapped around him.

She reached over and hooked the towel with a finger and tugged it off, gripping it and giving it a little flick as it came off and away from him. "So what can we do naked? Cause I think I like naked time with you.... usally don't let anyone hang around with me for that... but I think I... wouldn't mind you being around for it."

"All for it. No worries. Spend a lot of my time like this anyway when I'm sculpting.. saves on the laundry bills," he shrugged, perfectly comfortable to sit bare beside her. He knelt on the bed and slid over her, skin to skin to rub her shoulders and back. "Thing about sculpting.. makes the hands strong and nimble."

"Mmmm so it seems." Keep that up and I'm never letting you go."

"Other way around," he whispered, rubbing her shoulders and leaning down to kiss the back of her neck.

"Oh really?" She whispered enjoying the sensation his lips sent through her. She shivered slightly and turned her head to the side, smiling softly.

"Yeah, kinda sorta.. really," he said nibbling his way around to reach her lips. "Not letting you go."

"Really? Cause I think I can handle that." She whispered against his lips. Kissing him tenderly she continued. "Actually I think I will like that alot... maybe another 'L' too.."

"Mmm... I'm thinking so too," he whispered, about to roll beside her when the room service knocked. He chuckled and cursed quietly, "How about lunch?"

"Ohh lunch..." She almost sounded disappointed.

He chuckled and kissed her softly as he slid off to the floor again, picking up his towel. "Maybe you'll want to keep your strength up, just in case," he winked, blowing her another little kiss as he padded to the door.

The tray was large and full. He set it on the side table and quickly rushed back, grabbing his wallet, dropping it, bending to get it, his towel coming undone and one hand reaching desperately to hold it in place as he returned to tip the service.

Mari watched with a slight giggle as his towel slipped. She got up off the bed and went to inspect the tray. She was smiling that kid in a candy store grin as she investigated. "I know what I want.." She teased, not having bothered with a towel as she stood bare and at ease nibbling things off the tray.

[Lovely]

April 30, 2008
Mercy Hospital
Mari's room

He ignored the exhaustion and the hallucinations and stayed.. one more hour, one more minute.. if he dared to leave, he wouldn't be there when she needed him. He watched her, spoke softly to her, comforted and consoled, knowing she could hear him. He prodded daily for the last three weeks, begging gently for her to come back from her comatose state.

The steady rhythmic beep of the monitor kept sounding in her ear. It cut into her sleep, bringing with it a soft and familiar male voice. The voice tugged at her, made her smile even... and asked her to return. Return from where? That she didn't know, where had she been? Slowly the lights of the room penetrated the darkness behind her eyelids, she groaned softly. Her lids fluttering and opening to slits to view the semi darkened room. A form was sitting beside her, though too fuzzy yet to make out.

He'd closed his eyes for a moment, silently praying that she'd be alright. He looked up to see her eyes and the subtle change on the monitor. "M... Mariah?"

She blinked a few times and opened her eyes further, but still not more than halfway. Her head turned towards his voice, she knew the voice... the one that had been calling to her...

"Hey there show girl... you want to come dancing? I missed you... how many noses am I holding up?"

She looked at him, confused and groggy. "Wha?" She could barely get the sound to come from her scratchy throat.

He smiled as she tried to speak. "It's okay.. see.. you're doing great," he whispered and leaned up to kiss her gently.

Her lips felt dry and she could barely return the kiss. She attempted to say she was sorry, the words squeaked out, her eyes were filled with confusion and sadness. "Ber-" She tried to reach for him, her hand shaking as she lifted it, feeling as if it was weighed down.

He put a finger to her lips and shook his head. "It's okay, not yet. You're going to feel really tired and I'm sorry. You don't have to talk." He mouthed an 'I love you" once she focused on him.

"Bertie.." Her voice squeaked and she looked as if she might cry, she was bewildered and disorientated.

His face knotted for the briefest of moments before the gentle smile came back. "I'm right here, see? Not going anywhere. There was an accident... you're okay... everyone's okay."

"I.." She closed her eyes as if trying to remember. "When?" She winced as the word came out, looking as if it took most of what she had to get it out.

"Shh...don't try to talk just yet," he insisted gently and rang the buzzer for the nurse to bring some water.

Jay saw the nurse go in and followed her to the door, poking his head in. "Bert.. hey man, is she... oh wow.. hey kiddo...," he waved and dodged the nurse who tried to shuffle him out. "Just saying hi.. don't get pushy."

"Hi." She whispered.

"Jay... get out of there.." Lily scolded coming down the hall with drinks for the two of them.

"She's awake, babe.. that's all, just letting know we're here."

"Awake... " Lily smiled, the first not forced smile since Mari had been brought in. "Thank god.."

"Yeah..like you said... we shouldn't be in here," he nodded to the totally focused Bert who couldn't take his eyes off her to even acknowledge that Jay stepped in.

She set the drinks by their chairs and wrapped her arms around Jay's shoulders. She pulled him into a deep and long kiss, relieved and joyed Mari was awake, and sharing that with him.

Jay was lost a moment, not used to Lily reacting quite like this. He chuckled and kissed back, lingering in it with her, joyed as well, for Mari and for Lily's relief. "Hey... we'll be.. um... we'll be out here if you need anything... okay? Bert? Bertie bud? Eh.. nevermind... you know where to find us. "

"What?" he said to the side, his eyes not leaving Mari for a moment. "Yeah.. yea, okay." He spoke to the door after they'd already left with the nurse. Glancing to the side, he picked up the water that was left there and held the straw for her. "Here.. just a little, okay?"

She nodded, a small nod and took a sip of the water, after a moment she took a larger sip and closed her eyes. "Thank you." She whispered.

"Better... god I missed you. I want to tell you everything, but not all at once. Do you hurt? Are you comfy enough?"

"Hurt... a little." She nodded and gave a weak smile. "Missed you.." She looked at the water again, her throat begging for more after those few words.

"Okay.. pillows first," he said handing her the controls for the bed to raise and lower as she wanted. Her back was still heavily bandaged, offering a little padding. Once adjusted, he held the water for her again, answering the question in her eyes slowly. "Take it slow... it's.. it's been almost three weeks, hon."

"Three?" Her mouth dropped a bit and she looked even closer to tears. "How... what?"

He nodded and brushed her matted curls from her face. He couldn't hide the concern in his eyes, nor the anger than she hadn't yet seen from him. "I'm sorry... you... you were attacked, hon... "

"I was?" She shook her head, trying to clear the fog. "Attacked?" She whispered, a tear slipping from the corner of her eye. She looked confused and a bit scared.

He nodded and looked away with a set jaw, trying not to get upset. He turned back with a thin grin. "But you're okay now.. I promise... everything's gonna be cool, Mari... "

"Is it?" She looked worried. "Three weeks? Good gracious... " She sighed heavily, wincing at a twinge in her back. "How bad?"

"Don't...," he paused, moving to keep her from sitting up. "Don't move too much just yet. A few more days before the stitches come out."

"How bad?" She asked again, her eyes searching his face. "I don't remember.."

He couldn't lie, but if he didn't say anything or dodged... maybe he wouldn't feel as horrible about not being there, but she'd assume it was worse than it was. "Um... you're here and alive," he tried to smile, but he got choked up thinking about what could have happened if... "Bad, Mari... really bad, but you're here.. I'm glad you're here."

"How bad is bad?" She closed her eyes trying to remember something, to know what he was trying to say, but having trouble... but she couldn't.. she didn't remember.

He shook his head. "Maybe I'll tell you at Christmas, okay? Just worry about getting better so I can get you home," he grinned.

"How am I supposed to get better... when I don't know what I am getting better from.." She gave a thin smile, wincing from her sore throat. "Christmas.. please... I need to know... now."

He held the water for her again. "Here.. take it slow, okay? Bad.. that you've been here about three weeks. You've had one surgery and narrowly missed a second. Do me a favor.. shake your tootsies for me, twinkletoes...please?"

"Three weeks.." She sighed and then her eyes narrowed as she looked from his face to her feet. "Shake... w-WHY?"

He smiled, "Cuz I know how ticklish you are and if I do it for you, you'll jump and that's not a good idea right now."

She nodded slowly and licked her lips. She concentrated on her feet, willing them to move, wiggle, twitch... something.. anything.

The grin thinned as he watched, silently coaxing the movement. He'd overheard something he hoped he misinterpreted. "That's okay. You're probably just stiff from being in here," he said, trying to sound reassuring.

"Right.. in bed for three weeks." She looked a bit worried herself. "So what did they say... you have worried face."

"Huh? Worried face? Um... nothing...," he said a little absently. "Not to me anyway. Maybe you should talk to the doc and see."

"Not to you... but you heard something... Bertie.. please.. tell me what it is." Her voice and her face showed the worry and fear that was building.

He searched her eyes. Not telling her would do little to aid any fear she was building. "Look, you just woke up, so maybe it'll take sometime for everything else to wake up too. It just may be some time before you can get back to dancing is all... okay?"

"Some time... and.. " She closed her eyes and shook her head. What the hell was she going to do? Where would she stay, how would she afford her rent, pay her bills? Her head swarmed with questions and she realized she'd already lost three weeks... meant rent and every thing was coming due... pretty much right then. She had some money in savings... but it wouldn't last long if she wasn't working.

"And what? What's wrong? Mari? Hey... c'mon.. tell me. I didnt want to scare you or anything. Looks like I did anyway. Hey, don't worry, okay? It's all temporary and anything you need, I'm here, okay?"

[Lovely]

Her head shook as she exhaled and opened her eyes, one hand tossing the covers off her legs. "I have to get out of here... three weeks? Three weeks I haven't been working... I have bills.. and I.. I .. I can't afford... geez.. I'm three weeks late on last months..." She started rambling, in her head she was making plans to get right back to work and how she was going to make up the money. She now had two months rent and utilities due.

"Mari.. you can't. Not yet. If rent's all it is, please don't worry. I've got you covered. Pay me back in your next life, okay?"

"Two months of rent and bills??" She shook her head, blonde curls bouncing around. "Do you know how much money that is? Where the heck are you going to come up with that? And besides you have your own rent and crap to pay.. and I'm losing even more time just laying here. Time is money and.. why aren't I moving?" Tears flowed easily down her cheeks as she felt overwhelmed with knowing and not knowing what had happened, and was happening to her.

"Don't worry about the money, Mari. Honest. I may not be a Resher, but I'm good, okay? Don't worry about the money, please," he pleaded gently as the ball of emotion lodged itself again making his plea creak out. She had other things to worry about than money. He reached for her and slipped an arm around her gently, pulling the cover back up to keep her warm. "Because you can't yet. Yet..."

"I can't.." She whispered, holding back a sob. "I can't take your money like that... I won't even take money from my dad... " She leaned into his chest and began to cry softly. "Why? Why did this happen?"

"First, you're not taking, I'm taking care of you. Second, I'm not your dad. Although, if I were, I would still insist, mayor or not. You couldn't help this, okay? It's some sick guy out there who's getting his jollies on girls.. it wasn't just you. He's still out there and I'm here to keep you safe, okay?"

She lifted her head, her teary eyes gazing up at him. "Taking care of me? Now why would you want to do some thing silly like that?" She wiped at her eyes, one hand still clinging to his shirt. "If you're keeping me safe... does that mean... you're going to be like my teddy bear.. I can take you every where I go? Cuddle with you when I'm scared or upset?"

He nodded with a soft, reassuring grin. "Hopefully other times too, but yeah... I hope, anyway."

"Well I was going to add sleep with you every night.. but I didn't want to push it." She patted the empty space next to her, on the bed. "I'm pretty scared and upset.. now."

"You can add anything you want. I'm right there, okay?" He slid up beside her, certain he'd get yelled at, but he didn't care. He curled her up in his arms. "I know you're scared. I'm sorry. I just don't have any answers yet. I don't even think the doctors know yet."

She rested against his chest, her arm loosely around his chest and her hand resting on his shoulder. "Bertie... what am I going to do?"

"Get better and when we find this guy, you're gonna kick his a** with me.. and with whoever else he's gotten to."

"I have to ask you.. what did he do? What happened? I don't remember anything... and I lost three weeks on top of that..."

He stalled a moment and curled her gently, watching her eyes. "I'll just reiterate that you're damn lucky, Mari, okay? All I know.. which is bad enough.. is that someone broke in and had some things on his mind. Now I don't know, cuz I'm not related or married to you, so they won't tell me, but ... that... might have happened. He was interrupted.. we know that."

Her eyes widened like saucers, shock registering on her face. "Oh god.." She whispered, more tears brimming in her eyes as thoughts raced through her head. "He... things on his mind.." Her voice was a frightened, distressed whisper. "I.." She looked down at herself, grasping for things in her head that her mind wouldn't show her.

He continued, speaking softly and candidly, holding her close. "Th.. there were bruises and they've even had me checked and printed as a precaution. What he did do for sure is leave two holes requiring surgery, one that.. that hit a nerve.. and they don't know what's going to happen yet."

She trembled in his arms, her head shaking slowly in denial of his words, though she knew them to be truth. Even if she couldn't remember at the moment, somewhere deep inside she knew them to be true. "You? They checked you?" The tears spilled down her cheeks as she shook her head again. "No.. You wouldn't ever.. I'm so sorry."

"I was happy to let them test me, Mari. Anything I can do to help. I'm not a detective or anything.. I'm an artist. What do I know about cop stuff? I just did what they wanted me to," he said, although some things about himself and his family he would need to tell her eventually.

"You shouldn't have had to... " She looked down, emotional pain being harder to bear than the physical. "The police think.. he.. there were bruises?" She slowly began to push the blanket off her legs.

"There were. It's been three weeks though, so dunno if you'll see anything. Here.. you want to try and sit up and get a good stretch in.. as much as you can?"

"No." She whispered meekly, her hands dropping from the blanket. "I want to wake up now... in my bed at home... and know that none of this happened."

"Alright," he said quietly. "But I'm afraid the magic wand is next to the t.v. remote Mari. I wish.. I really wish I could make it all go away, but I'm not a magician. I am here to be a teddy bear... oh hey..," he reached for her tissues. "A kleenex hunter-gatherer.. and to help you any other way I can to pick up and move it into the deep dark past as soon as possible, okay?"

"I.. " She nodded. "You're right... Where's a doctor? I need to get better.. now." Her hands lifted and covered her face, slowly rubbing and then sliding into her hair and pushing it away from her face.

"You can buzz for him.. see the little sticky-uppie thing on the cord there? Or I'll have to get up to find someone."

"I thought those were for the nurse if I like died or something?"

"It's only a call button to the desk out front... and please.. don't say things like that, okay?" He shuddered a moment, uncontrolled. "You're not.. and I'll do everything I can to keep you .. from.. not being.. right."

"Sorry." She said quietly, her small joke that slipped had ended up hitting closer and she'd not meant to make one. "So right.. anyway... they can probably get me something to soothe my throat.."

"Yeah they can. You want me to get them for you? Should be just a moment."

"Please." Her fingers touched her neck as if to emphasize. "Thank you."

[Lovely]

He nodded and gently moved from her side, propping her pillow above the bandages for support. "Back in a flash, kitten, 'k?"

"Sure.." She watched him with sad eyes, that slipped closed to rest for a moment while he was out of the room.

Bertie came back lozenges, water and a dark haired man in a field jacket sporting the small crest of the local police department. "Good afternoon Miss Davenport. Sorry for the intrusion. I'm Officer Mallory. I'll be brief so you and your husband can work on your rapid recovery," he grinned 'officially' and pulled a small notepad from his pocket.

Bertie stood behind him, shrugging. He had no idea where that piece of information came from, but he grinned anyway, bringing the water glass and drops around the other side.

She glanced from the officer to Bertie and then back. Her eyes darted around and watched Bertie as he came around to her other side. She focused on Bertie as she answered the officer. "Yes, thank you... my.. husband.." She said the word with a tiny smile, letting it roll off her tongue. "and I would appreciate that.."

"Right. Of course. It shouldn't surprise you that your father has the entire force out looking for the perpetrator of this crime. It's just routine and you don't need to answer here, but if you have any information or remember anything that can help us... we'll help you," he rambled and smiled, attempting to maintain eye contact.

"Um.. Officer Mallory.. please... she's just coming around now. Can't this wait til maybe tomorrow or something?"

Mari shifted to sit up, her face scrouching up as she experienced a stab of pain. She gasped sharply, nearly falling back against the bed, but managing to hold her self up a slight bit. "It's alright.. just doing his job, right officer" Please.. it's ok...I need this."

"You sure Mari? He said you didn't have to here..."

"It's alright, son.. just a moment of your and her time and I'll be outta her hair, I promise. Now, Miss Davenport... on the night of...," he started to ask about the events and what she remembered... if she could recall faces, sounds, smells, details... anything broken or missing...

Bertie sat close by, holding her hand for reassurance, watching her for signs of excessive distress.

Distress was a mild way to put what she was feeling at the moment. Her face showed a myriad of emotions including frustration and a slight terror in her eyes. If she remembered anything she wasn't telling the officer. She chewed the tips of her fingers on the had Bertie was not holding, her eyes casting down as she shook her head. "I'm sorry." Her voice was a meek whisper. "I don't remember... I had to ask how I got here.." Her eyes seemed to focus on something far away and she shivered. "The wind.." She whispered.

Bertie nodded, "Lily said the window had been broken out.. in the bathroom. I'm sorry, can I tell you she said that if she's not here? I mean..."

"It's alright. You folks aren't under oath or on trial here, son," the officer grinned gently. "We're just getting what details we can. The broken window helps. We'll look into it. I think that will be all... unless there's something you wanted to add, Miss Davenport?"

"No... not the bathroom.... " She seemed to be reaching for something in her mind as she alterately chewed on and licked her lower lip. "In.. the bedroom.. a noise... and the window was open...." She pointed her finger ahead as if showing them.

Bertie tried to think of her apartment in his mind and how it was set up. "Open or broken? I thought Lily said... then again, she was pretty torn up when Jay called me, so..," he mumbled. "Mari, maybe you should rest for a bit, huh? Is that enough officer? Can she rest now?"

He watched Mari's expressions as she pulled the memory into being. "Go ahead Miss Davenport. It's important... or do you remember? Open like you'd left it or broken? Do you recall any glass on the floor at your feet?"

She shook her head, firmly. "No.. I never.. never open that window.. it sticks... painted shut or something." She whispered, her eyes widening slightly as if watching a movie on the wall before her. "The noise... wind chimes or something.. I thought... but.." She looked down as if looking to her feet. "There was glass.. I had to step around it... so not to cut my feet."

She gasped and jerked slightly as if recoiling from something. "Hands... hands... on me.. arms... came from behind." Her voice breaking a little as the fear she'd felt that night crept back into her. "and.. and I wasn't on the floor any more.."

"Officer, please," Bertie hissed, feeling her hand tighten on his. "That's enough... she's been through enough."

He looked at Bertie coldly and continued taking notes. "Go on, Miss Davenport."

"I.." Her eyes closed and she tried to hold back the tears. "I freaked out... fought to get away... and he threw me down... I hit the floor, cut my hand on the glass." She clenched her hand in Bertie's. "He kicked me.. the ribs.. boots.. he was wearing some kind of heavy duty boots.. black with thick soles.."

"That's enough," he said quietly. "Get out. You want more you can talk to her lawyer. Got it?"

He eyed Bertie and looked back at Mariah, pausing and flipping the notepad closed. "Thank you for your time, Miss Davenport. We'll be in touch if we find anything. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery." He looked back at Bertie and nodded, a stern expression on his face before turning to leave the room.

The doctor shouldered past the officer on his way out, the officer stopping him a moment and looking over his shoulder back to the room and mumbling something. The doctor nodded and continued, coming up to them. "So.. you're awake. Good... good."

She looked at Bertie, watching him as he told the officer to leave. She was in wonder as the officer listened and left, she felt like she was missing something. Her red-rimmed and slightly puffy eyes would give testament to her tears, but she attempted a smile. "I'm awake."

"Well, let's take a look at the chart and see where we're at," he smiled at them both and pulled up the clipboard. He looked at his watch and at the expression on her face. "How long has she been alert now?"

"About... a half hour? A little more?"

"Good, good," he said, checking the monitor and the IV. "Well, this is good." He smiled and turned the monitor off, hushing the rhythmic sound. He did a manual check of her pulse and pulled the BP measure to check the rest. "Any specific aches and pains you want to tell me about?"

"Yeah... I have these sharp pains in my back, like someone stabbed me." She spoke dryly and looked up at him. Giving a frustrated sigh, she looked less hostile and more, afraid. "It hurts... my back really hurts.."

He smiled gently, pulling the scope away from her arm and putting the BP tester away. "Has it hurt the whole time you've been awake?" He wrote something else down on the chart and moved back to the foot of the bed motioning to pull the cover back. "If I may a moment, please?"

She sighed. "Not the whole time... maybe half that time." She nodded watching him as he examined her. Her hand was still squeezing the hell out of Bertie's and she realized it as she looked down to their clasped hands. She let go, the death grip and gently rubbed his fingers to apologise.

He smiled gently and clasped her hand as it was. He didn't mind. "It's okay... I've got another one," he teased, wiggling the fingers of his other hand.

The doctor pulled a pen from his pocket, but didn't click out the point. With the dulled end of it, he prodded her foot bottom and then each toe as she looked away at Bertie, noting as he went along.

"On a scale to ten, how would you say the pain is now compared to when you woke.. ten being the worst, one being normal?"

Her foot twitched as he went over one spot and she turned toward the doctor as she felt the gentle prod. She found herself hesitant to answer his question, but her eyes were drawn to Bertie and then down to their hands. He must know without her saying as she had clenched so tightly to him. "I'd say a seven mm no a six at the moment... an eleven when I tried to move."

"Excellent," he grinned more broadly, writing down something else and putting his poking pen away, his writing pen beside it. "I'll just put this back to let you keep warm. The nurse will be in with tablets. Take them all and no shirking. Once the inflammation comes down a little more, we'll run some tests. The tablets will help you rest comfortably without the pain. You're doing marvelous. I expect we can begin therapy in a few days to get back to running marathons."

Bertie helped him put the cover back over her legs. "You hear that? Whaddya think?" He whispered, leaning to kiss her cheek. "Good news, sounds like, huh?"

"Yeah." She said in a soft whisper, trying to be hopeful. The whole situation was unnerving and disturbing and she was trying very hard not to fall to pieces. A part of her kept wondering why Bertie was still there, three weeks... He'd stuck by her, was sticking by her, some part of her in all the twisted images and pain and fear, didn't get it.

"Looks like you're getting some of the best therapy there is, already. The nurse should be right in, then you're to rest. No more interviews today, okay?"

She smiled, her eyes searching Bertoli's face. Gentle fingers lifted and brushed over his cheek.

He turned and kissed her fingers. "You'll be fine... you trust me, right?"

"You're in good hands it seems, Miss Davenport," he smiled. "I'll be back in at four thirty. You, young man, should go get some rest yourself before we put you in a cot next door, hm?"

"Nah," he smiled, turning to the doctor briefly. "I'm great... just great."

She glanced from one man to the other, now wondering just how much time Bertie had spent with her. "See.. He's great." She spoke softly to the doctor. "I'm great.. we're great."

He winked and left them alone.

"Hey baby bear.. you hear that? Sounds like you're on the fast track to recovery, huh?"

The door opened gently and another familiar face appeared, grinning like mad. "Hey junior.. got a sec? The rest of her adoring public wants a word with the starlet."

Mari turned her head and gave a slight grin. "Hey.. you.. leave us alone here.. we're having a moment." She teased and laced her fingers with Bertie's. "Be my body guard?" She whispered to Bertie.

Jay laughed then hushed, looking around for the doctor, knowing he wasn't supposed to be in the room. "Looks like you'll need to be his. What did you say to Mallory, man? He launched outta here pissed as all hell, mumbling something about warrants and lawyers and crap."

"I'll save you," he agreed in a whisper and turned to Jay. "Same thing I'm gonna tell you... leave."

"Aww," he gasped, holding a hand to his heart. "Right here, man.. you get me right here.. wounded for life. Alright, alright. But... I get to kiss the bride, huh?" He winked and snuck up to the side of the bed to kiss Mari on the cheek. "Glad you're awake, Mar... Lil's finally getting some sleep.. um.. on some old guy's shoulder out in the lobby, so I gotta go and lean the right way, you know? Glad you're back."

"Kiss the br...?," he paused and fumed teasingly. "Out... go... she's mine.. leave her alone already."

"Wow.. this is all so sudden.. Jay I never knew.." She teased him back, managing to smile and look happy. She felt a little better, but her heart was still heavy and she was scared.

"Well, now we know where 'the rest of the story' came from, hm? Jay.. honest.. go. She's been through the wringer, okay?"

"Alright... going.. going. It's true you know... you just don't know it yet... missus bertman...hehe... yeah, alright. I don't want Lil droolin' on that guy... what a waste that'd be. Catch you crazy kids later?" he chuckled and winked, reaching around to slap Bert on the arm teasingly. "Hasta la vista.. baybeee," he said with a wink to Mari as he slipped out.

"You have strange friends." She winked at Bertie and shook her head. "Hey.. and if we do get married.... he has to wear a frilly hideously colored dress... just cause.."

"Absolutely... blaze orange good for you?" He chuckled, then shuddered as he pictured it.

"Ohhh... yeah that works." The distastful look on her face, reflected the horrible image that passed through her mind. "Ok, so now that we have our... 'if' color scheme.." She smiled and tugged his hand, asking him to come closer. "Three weeks, huh? Been that long since I've seen you?"

"Mmmhmmm, but I've been here pretty much the whole time. Jay dragged me home to crash a couple nights, but yeah... three weeks," he grinned, moving closer, nibbling at her lip.

Her fingers came up and rested softly on his cheek, gently cupping. "You're wonderful and amazing.."

"Nut uhn... you are, baby bear. Amazing.. wonderful.. beautiful... I missed you."

"I missed you too..." She gave tiny kisses and pulled him closer for more.

[Lovely]

June 27, 2008
11:50 pm
Bertie's apartment


It had been about two months now since she'd woken up in the middle of the night, in a hospital bed, confused and scared. They had finally agreed to let her leave the hospital, though she had therapy and appointments with the doctors on a regular basis. She woke up in fevered sweats and screaming at night, scared of her own shadow at times, but she was fighting to regain what had been taken from her the night she was attacked.

The cover pulled from him and he heard the gasp as she pulled herself into a ball beside him. Bertie blinked gently and rose his head from the pillow, checking on his girl. "Hey baby bear.. have another one?" He whispered hoarsely and reached for her hands. "Right here... I gotcha."

She whimpered and flinched, until the nightmare faded and she realized it was Bertie holding her. "Ber..?" She blinked turning towards him and snuggling into him. Her cheeks were wet from tears and she trembled with the fear that accompainied the nightmares.

She sniffed and closed her eyes, wishing it all away, begging for it to have just been a dream and none of it real. She'd slowly remembered more and more, her dreams becoming more violent and disturbing as her concious mind regained the missing pieces.

He yawned, "Oh.. wow... sorry. Hey, come over here you. I gotcha, I promise. See? Nice mood lighting? Calm music... warm comfy bed... me, if that counts for anything. How's the pain? You think you need one of the tabs, huh?"

She nodded and inched closer to him. "You being here counts... I don't think I could be.. if you weren't with me."

She breathed in deeply, his scent was comforting as she rested against his chest. Her lips softly, chancing a light kiss to his skin. "Bertie.... why do you stay?"

"Of course not.. who'd let you in if I wasn't?" He teased gently and curled an arm around her. "I stay because I live here?" He knew what she was asking, but he really didn't have an answer.. he just was where he wanted to be and wanted her there with him... explanations just didn't seem necessary. "How about.. 'cuz."

"Cuz.." She whispered it softly, her hand resting , palm flat against his chest. "Ok... if you say so." She gave a small, weak smile, but it was a smile.

"Hey ... where you been hiding.. I missed you," he said, looking at her smile. "That's it.. a little bigger now."

She lifted her chin and her head tilted up to him, the smile slowly growing under his tender coaxing. "Glad you like it... hoping to let it out more." She spoke in a quiet voice, her eyes watching his face and expression.

"I do like it.. tells me you're feeling better," he grinned, kissing her on the forehead. "Lot of things I like about you... love about you."

"Bad dreams... god I hate them.." She whispered, her eyes closed again and she kissed his chest, snuggling as close as she could. "Lots of things?" She smiled and slid her hand along the defined muscle of his arm. "Tell me some... tell me something, anything.. just talk to me for a bit?" She tilted her face and scooted up a little so she was more face to face with him. "The sound of your voice makes me feel better.. makes me feel safe."

"What I like...," he paused a moment and looked at her with wink as he started to sing softly. "What I like about you... you keep me warm at night... yeah..."

"When you go up down, jump around... you know you make me feel alright.."

"What I like about you... you really know how to dance.... when you're whispering in my ear, tell me all the things that I wanna hear... cause that's true... that's what I like about you...," he continued. "Well.. cuz it is true."

He chuckled softly and kissed her nose. "Okay, so the verses are a little out of order.. it's all in there."

"Okay.." She smiled a touch more brightly and her fingers reached up to trace along his jaw.

"Okay, so here's me.. not singing.. talking.. letting you hear my voice," he chuckled. "I hope it's helping... um... running out of things to say, Mari. Although I could tell you I love you a half dozen times.. that should take me.. about a minute. That's better when I show you, anyway."

"Your voice is doing wonders.. as always." She lifted up enough to lay a sweet kiss to his lips and then laid back, again.

"I'll add that to the list.. of things I like, okay?" He yawned gently. "Sorry.. guess I'm still a little sleepy. How about you.. think you can get a little more rest?"

"Mmmm yes.. I could use more rest." She frowned. "I'm sorry... I woke you. Gosh what time is it? Late.. yeah.. and here I am keeping you awake.. "

"Nope.. I'm keeping me awake worrying about you until you're asleep and resting comfy, baby bear... nothing to be sorry for, okay?" He spoke teasingly, but gently insisting that he was fine.. and truly worried since the dreams kept getting worse.

"Ok.." She gave a small smile and closed her eyes. "See.. I'm asleep.. all sleeping.. and always comfy in your arms."

"Uh huh... sure you are," he teased, hugging her gently. Worried eyes scanned over her. She might not have the pain she did, but her memories needed to be eased somehow.

"I am.. see me? The one with her eyes closed.." She opened one eye and peeked at him, then quickly closed it. "Sleeping.. now you go to sleep." She knew that it would be a bit before she fell asleep again, though each moment with him like this helped ease the fear. It didn't go away for good, she knew that wouldn't happen for awhile, but wasn't about to give up.

[Lovely]

July 25, 2008
2pm
Mercy Hospital

Mari had been the first and the one who got it worst, she'd been made a filet of dancer, beaten severely, and raped... all by someone who was still out there attacking other girls. Mari had spent weeks in a coma, weeks in the hospital after that and now due to the damage done was in physical therapy and had numerous doctors appointments. The swelling had gone down around her spine and thankfully she had regained feeling and mobility in her legs. The young perky blonde was not letting her ordeal get the best of her... at least not on the outside. Today as she came in to have herself checked, she wore a bright smile.

Another delightful specimen, and one that had been through so much in her short life. It was odd how everyone went after these dancing types. She had been the first of many, and Dylan Hunt had enjoyed nursing each and everyone of them. Wearing a long flowing laboratory coat, and a stethoscope about his neck he invited her to sit in his office.

Her blonde curls bounced lightly as she walked into his office. "Hey." She said in casual greeting to the handsome doctor. Her brown eyes moved over the room as she took a seat in the chair he offered.

Dylan watched her carefully as she moved, his mind working in many twisted and sensual ways. He truly was a despicalble man. He really was. "Hello there ..." he cooed in a soft, rather smary voice.

She caught him watching her and smiled to herself, pretending she had not seen it. She was used to it, she'd been a headliner at the Palace, men paid to watch her! That and being the mayor's daughter she was used to the public spotlight in some regards. But since her attack, she'd not been able to go back to the Palace... still working through her recovery. She'd been keeping a lower profile, alot of time 'home bound'... She knew she had a ways to go before she'd be able to get back to her normal life, but was determined to get there. "It's a lovely afternoon.." She said politely, making idle small talk.

Dylan's eyes moved to the window, "Indeed it is!" he continued in the same voice. He couldn't help but note how delightful her vocals were too, as sweet and lovely as her form. Shaking his head he dispelled or images of doing naughty things with her beautiful canvas. "But, we are not here for the weather, are we?"

She sighed and shook her head, looking down at her hands, twisting in her lap. "No.. we're not here about the weather... I guess there's no postponing the check up.."

"It would not be the wisest decision to make Mariah" he paused, flashing her a well practiced, 'butter wouldn't melt smile her way. "I .. can call you Mariah can't I ?"

"My father calls me Mariah... but sure if you want." She lifted her head to give a small smile and shrug her shoulders.

"Excellent"

"Right.." She nodded slowly and eyed him a moment. "So.. we should get started..." She crossed her firm legs, the skirt gently riding up as she did so.

Out of habit his eyes watched the material ride up, blinking and re-focusing on her face he smiled at her before standing and walking to the examination table. "Yes... I think we should"

She stood a little slowly and followed him over. "You know you guys should just give me, my own dressing gown.. I'm here often enough." She joked softly, her fingers working on the buttons of her shirt. She was accustomned to the routine.

"Indeed..." Dylan mused softly, already in his minds eyes she was naked and posing. He had grown skilled at hiding this slack jawed yokel like effect and managed to smile for her in the most reassuring of manners.

She laughed, letting the shirt slide off and setting it over the chair, her shoes slipped off next and the skirt dropped right after. She was left in a lacey bra and thong as she reached over the table to grab the gown. Her hands came behind her to unhook the bra and it was tossed with her other clothes. The gown slid to cover the silky smooth skin that was just exposed and she 'hopped' onto the table. Considering the extent of the damage, she had been lucky, the scarring on her lower back was not as bad as it could have been.

Coming over to her Dylan pulled on his gloves quickly before getting to work. "Any discomfort or pain in the past week since the last check?" Dylan asked sliding into professional mode for the time being

She raised an eyebrow at him. "I hate when you ask me that." She sighed. "Yes... by the end of the day my back is screaming.. but.. it's better than it was the week before... the days are getting easier. Less pain when moving around during daily activities."

"That is a good sign. But I do not want you returning to work. Not yet, possibly never again, and the heels are no more." He paused to look at the impressive set she had come in, "Do you understand?"

"What do you mean, possibly never again!??" Her head snapped to the side staring at him. "Are you.. I can't work?"

"You could end up in a wheelchair at any moment if you continue to wear heels, and since podium dancing involves working on a pole and ridiculous positions ..." Dylan let it hang. "It could cripple you at best dear, or paralyse you at the very and quite possible worst"

She folded her arms, counting to ten silently. "I haven't been wearing heels... I wore them today... " She chewed her lip. " Just wanted to feel good and look good for a change.. been feeling so.. whatever.. no heels fine.."

"Good!" Dylan smiled at her, turning on the charm, he so despised seeing a pretty face strained. "I am sure that there can be other ways of having fun still."

"Ones that will pay me as much as I make dancing, make me as happy and keep my bills paid?"

"Yes. There are sure to be alternates"

"Name one."

[Lovely]

September 18, 2008


"Bertie?"

"Yup? I got a call.. some big shot gallery dude wants me to do a show... suit's borrowed from Jay."

Mari kisses his cheek. "Aww.."

"You know that back rent.. the hospital bills... the clothes.. replacing the window in your apartment... all that? This guy's willing to advance enough to pay for all of that... twice... and that's just the step in the door. He's talking a six-month run of my sculptures, Baby Bear... a real artist, can you believe it?"

"Thats wonderful." She smiled brightly, genuinely happy for him. But she would not let him use a penny of that money to pay her bills. "You have always been a real artist.. silly." She took a fork out of the drawer and stuck it into the can of corn she'd opened, bringing a bite to her mouth.

"What are you doing?"

"Eating dinner.. you want some?"

"Put that down.. no... no corn from the can. We're going out. C'mon. You, me... one huge town waiting to treat us to dinner."

"I'm.. sort of not dressed, to go anywhere." She protested softly, glancing down at the very short and soft grey sweat shorts along with one of his t-shirts and white ankle socks she was wearing. Her hair had grown pretty long in the past year and she wore it in two braided pig tails.

"You look great. But we can go shopping if you want. A real department store.. not the discount place.. I mean real shopping. This will be great. Get something really nice, take you someplace nice," he said looking at his own outfit. "Get myself my own suit and get this to the cleaners for Jay... wow... a real paycheck, Mari.. think about it."

"Yeah.. it's really great.. I'm very happy happy and excited for you." She took another bite of her corn and then set it aside. "A real paycheck... feels amazing doesn't it?"

"You okay? Yeah.. of course it does. I'm used to just selling one or two at a time, and never like this. This ... this is fantasti..you're still eating corn."

"I kinda really like corn from the can. Ravioli and Spagettios too, dun have to heat.. you can, but you can also just eat it."

"Can't do cold ravioli, but s'ghetios, yeah."

"You get used to it."

"I tried.... that's the only thing I can't... large, cold, flat thing... anyway.."

"Mini raviolis, bite size -easier to eat when cold."

"Yeah... or use a good spoon... chop 'em up a li'l more." Bertie could have this conversation with her... he did understand, "I understand.. sculptors aren't rich."

She smiles and kisses him "Baby.. you could have a million dollars and I'd still like my corn from the can."

"Then will you at least let me treat you to a steak to go with it? Please?"

Sighs and rubs her hand up his chest. "If it will make you happy.. but you should keep your money. You have bills to pay."

"Just one dinner will not chip that much out of my rent, c'mon. It's a celebration, okay?"

"Okay.. okay.. okay..I guess I have to get dressed..." She spoke softly, with a small loving smile, though there was a sadness in her eyes.

"Okay," he grinned gently. "Are you okay, babybear? What's the matter?"

"Nothing.." She whispered, leaning into him and resting her head on his shoulder. "Nothing for you to worry about tonight.. you have celebrating to do."

[Lovely]

He hugged her as gently as he'd smiled. "As soon as somebody says 'don't worry' I worry, Mari. Are you sure you're okay? I mean, I just thought... we haven't gone anywhere... we haven't seen Lil and Jay in a while, either... just getting out and having a good time..."

She pulled back a little and tried to smile, but it faltered. "I went to see Carl today... I need to get back to work.. Next week.. I'm going back." She bit her lip, not sure how he would react to the news.

"What do you mean 'back to work'? Mari, you can't. Not while Mr Slice n Dice is still on the loose, no way. You're not going."

"I have to." She said firmly. "The bills pile up with no way to pay them.. what choice do I have? I'm losing this place.. even if I go back now.. I can't pay what I owe and continue.. I just can't Bertie.. I've waited longer than I should, than I could... Please.. understand."

"I understand, Mari, but you're not going back to work. Not there. Not until he's put behind bars," he said, understanding, but not believing that she'd even consider it after nearly being paralyzed by the monster. Bertoli rarely raised his voice and often regretted it if he did. He wasn't like his brothers. He was part of a different world altogether. "I'm sorry, baby," he said, stepping away and slipping his tie off. He tossed it on the bed and sat down beside it, burying his face in his hands, trying to rub ideas in as he thought.

His distress at her suggestion, pulled at her heart and she moved to the bed beside him, attempting to curl around him and ease it however she could. "Baby.. no.. don't be sorry.. none of this is your fault.. " Her arms wrapped around him as she crawled to kneel on the bed.

He lifted up a little, propping himself with his knuckles on his lip. Glancing at her, he tried to come up with something. Her father was the flippin' mayor, not that that mattered. She wasn't taking anything from anyone, not even dinner. Gifts were charity and she'd refuse them and the other skills he knew she could manage wouldn't get her a job quick enough to help the back log. The idea he did have had been lurking a long while, but he wasn't sure how well she'd take it either, especially right now, but he had to try. His gaze didn't shift and he didn't move, still propped on his knuckles as he murmured, "Come stay with me."

The tears slipped down her cheeks as he remained still, and she wanted to simply crawl into him, to be sheltered and protected, but she was too proud to tell him. She bent her lips to kiss his neck as his words were murmured, she froze a moment and then whispered. "Stay with you.. ?" She shifted a little to the side, her fingers moving to his chin, she needed to see in his eyes if it was pity that caused him to ask. She couldn't bear it if he felt sorry for her and she's know by his eyes. "I don't want... to be a burden.. you know that.." She said softly.

"What?" He chuckled, " Mari, no way are you or have you ... or will you, ever be a burden. Silly, I want you to come stay with me... please?" She wouldn't see pity, but she might see fear, the worry that she'd say no and he'd have no other options.

"Promise I won't be a burden... and I will." She gave a small smile, that offered a bit of hope and light. "I'm still going to need to work.. somewhere.. something to pay the bills.."

"Fine, but Carl's going to need to find another dancer. At least for a while, okay? Hey, here's a thought. I work at home... maybe you can, too. Whaddya think, huh? Find some nice little phone thing or computer something-or-other that you can do from the house while you look for something you really want to do. Then, hopefully in the meantime, that knife guy gets found and jailed and everyone's happily-ever-aftering doing what they want to do."

"Carl has plenty of dancers.. He even has my cousin and from what he says, she has quite the following building.. I may have to bump her off later.." She teased a little, feeling a giddy bubble of laughter welling up, as the tension faded. "Baby!.." She launched forward to sweep him back in a gentle tackle to the bed.

He chuckled as he was tumbled backwards, curling around her in return to give her a soft kiss. "Hmm.... got anymore corn? Suddenly I don't feel like going out," he smiled, nuzzling her neck.

"Two for a dollar.. oh baby, do I have corn!" She laughed softly, squirming a little as his breath tickled her neck and she turned her face to kiss his cheek.

"Tell you what, let's still go out, okay? We have a lot to celebrate and if Lily's dancing, I need to talk to Jay anyway. Knock some sense into him, you know? Make sure she's okay... okay?"

"Not Lily.. Jaime!" She giggled and leaned to kiss him. "Her evil twin."

"Oh. Well that's different," he said, shrugging. "Hmm... make it a late dinner, though. Something I need to do first," he teased, returning tickling and teasing kisses all over and helping her with the first part of getting changed for the evening.

"I forgot.. you haven't met Jaime.. should be interesting when you do.. She and Lily are so alike and so different.. it's very scary." She lifted her arms above her head as he tugged at her shirt, helping her to get changed. "Mmm.. since I have this thing about equal shares and all.." Her fingers went to work on his buttons and her kisses followed. "Your turn.." She mumured against his skin.

"As long as Jay doesn't show up with a twin, I'm good," he laughed, being accommodating with the buttons and 'equal shares'. He paused, "Would that make the twin the good one or the evil one?"

She came back to his lips with tender kisses, letting her fingers slip over his skin on his abs and chest. "Hmm which twin.. what?" Her mind was not on twins as she undid his pants at the waist and began to push them down.

"Mm.. mmm," he hummed an 'I dunno' and shrugged, forgetting the thought and concentrating only on her. He whispered a tickling, "Y'know what?"

"What?" She whispered back, turning to brush his lips softly.

"Love you, baby bear. Lovelovelovelovelo...," he murmured, moving to bury his kisses into her bared neck.

She giggled softly at his lips burrying and rumbling against her neck and sighed as his kisses sent a shiver over her. "Mmmm love you.." She curled around his nearly bare form, kissing and stroking over him, tenderly. "I love you, so much.."

Whatever remained on was slid and kicked away as her words worked over him. Whatever else he felt the need to say came out in tender murmurs and soft kisses, sharing equally and appreciating wholly.