Prettier

[Lovely]

June 16, 2009
11:00 pm.

Compared to many in the shadows here, he was one of the few older and wiser men, looking for something in particular from the line-up. Here she was - giving the best show yet. This sharp-dressed man sat next the stage tonight, holding her attention with a few $50 slips in her string to start, and the promise of more if she kept close by. At times he just wondered if maybe it was because he was just so pretty himself she could spit, but maybe it was only the bills that she found pretty. Either way, she looked his way now and he offered another $50 and blew her a kiss.

The girl on the stage was paying special attention to the gentleman at that table, he was handsome but that wasn't the only thing that had her heading back to him. She danced her way to his table again and then stepped right onto it, careful not to spill his drink. Nicky leaned to let him slide his bills into the straps of her open cup bra and thong. She was pretty herself and saw enough drooling men each night to ignore them for the most part and simply shake it for thier money. This guy caught her eye for more than his money but she knew better than to make it obvious.. the more you teased and left them hanging, the more money they'd give you and a girl had to eat. She shifted her stance and let him slide the bill over her full breasts and into the center of her bra. She giggled and licked the tip of his nose lightly as she arched and pushed herself forward for his veiwing pleasure. He'd paid for a good show and damn she was going to give him one.

He chuckled, puckering after the fleeting tease and sitting back roughly as she slipped away with his cash. He wasn't so fool-headed to try and actually pick up a date at the club, but her? He would still try to find a way to meet her outside.. and he might have just found a way. He shook his head with another chuckle, taking up his glass again and holding up another bill, waving her back.

She saw the bill and smiled, with a bit of dark teasing as she bent for another patron and their bill, though they did not get the attention he did. She spun and dipped her way back to him, an eyebrow arched as she stepped onto his table, coming down in a squat with her thighs around his drink.

"I'll drink to that," he smiled, reaching to run the bill up the inside of her thigh before depositing it gently in the thin strap at her hip. "Keep it coming over here, beautiful." She probably heard it a thousand times and a thousand ways, but he meant it and had the bills to keep her attention all night.

With surprising grace and flexibility she clasped his drink in her thighs, gently and lifted it toward his lips, offering the drink if he meant it.

A disarming smile made his features more boyish and playful as he nodded his approval of her... talents... and leaned to sip the drink, watching the bouncer from the corner of his eye. No-hands, he motioned holding the one carefully out and visible to deftly tuck the bill and take his sip. In the proximity there was something more he offered in return beneath the smile, a certain charm that couldn't easily be placed, the sparkling gaze of appreciation and the manner of a gentleman, yet in a place like this... but she was all he was watching besides the bouncer.

[Lovely]

She arched and tilted the drink for him, not spilling a drop as she pulled away and set it down on the table again. She noticed something different about him, but this was work, even if it was more fun than usual at the moment. Her smile was playful but hinted at a deeper curiosity about the man. There were other girls coming out, slowly filtering in as her long solo act winded down and more was offered for the patron's pleasure. Which also meant if he wanted her undivided attention he would have opprotunity to request it. Her eyes met his as she rubbed her thigh over the side of his glass, picking up a bit more moisture from the sweat of the glass. As she stepped back to the stage, she curled down, her ass bent towards him and her legs spread apart. Her head slipped between her legs and her tongue licked the glistening drops from her thigh.

God this woman was killing him and what a way to die, he smiled, blowing her another kiss and fanning a stack of bills under his thumb as he watched her bend and stretch in ways he could only dream of sharing. Such a thought probably would catch her attention in the way he moved to watch her face, her lips and the grace of her tongue as she caught the drops.

Her eyes were on him and she almost missed the fanning of the bills as she met his eyes. Her hand smoothed over her leg, holding her calve as she smiled at him, motioning between herself and his table. She winked and uncurled to turn back to him, coming to the edge of the stage again.

Half of the stack of bills, nearly $1000 was hers if she wanted it, set on the edge of his table with the pitcher of water he'd requested, also for her. His finger tapped the stack lightly as he sat in thought, watching her with his gentle smile fixed.

Her eyes strayed a moment to the bills and then back to him. Her expression was curious, cautious, yet tempting and playful. She wasn't sure what to think, she'd danced and charmed men before but he was different. It wasn't just the amount of money he was offering either -which was well beyond anything she'd gotten before. Nicky eased down onto his table, regarding him with an arched brow. She didn't reach for the stack of bills he'd set to the side as she came gently to her knees before him.

He leaned forward to speak to her. "Not that kind of request, but thank you. Go on, cool yourself down a little. These are for you, too," he added, sliding the bills back to tuck one by one in her top. "Did I say thank you?"

She held still to let him tuck the bills in, though she was very curious about him and his offer. "Thank me for..?" She reached to pour some of the water into the glass they had left with it, dripping a little down the side and over her hand purposely. She used the spill to cool the back of her neck, letting her fingers rest there a moment. The glass was pulled into her other hand and drifted over her skin, leaving a trail of glistening drops to catch the light and chill her a little. The glass tipped at her lips for her to take a tiny sip.

Each moment she stayed close, more of him flowed to her, filling her senses silently, slowly, not so much that she'd notice more than the barely-there hint of cologne he wore. He was sharply dressed, though not in any starchy collar and tie, just overall nice to look at himself as well as nice in his gesture. "For your time and talent...," he nodded, letting her get back to her routine.

"Thank you then.." She gave him a nod and took another sip of the water, setting the glass back to the table next to the pitcher. For a moment she felt reluctant to leave.. damn there was something about him. "by the way.. I love your cologne." She gave him a softer more warm smile as she pushed herself back up and turned to step back to the stage and finish up.

[Lovely]

He chuckled a little and waved a 'bye' playfully in return as she slipped away. Once she was back on the stage, he stood to wander off, stopping at the bar to ask a question and being pointed in the direction of the girl carrying a basket of long-stemmed roses.

Nicky finished hers and 'helped' the next girl into her routine to the delight of those watching. She slipped off stage and headed out back to the dressing rooms.

The knock on the dressing room door came hardly a moment after it was closed, the entirety of the basket the girl had been carrying being offered to her with an envelope tucked in the top, signed with just ~ For Nicky ~ on the outside.

She turned at the knock and came to answer it as she pulled the bills free from her top. "Are you serious?" She asked, as the basket was offered, her hands reaching to balance it, hold the bills she'd untocked and reach for the envelope all at once.

The girl laughed and offered to help, bringing the basket in once she explained they were paid for and sent back to her and her only. She set down the basket and held the envelope tightly until Nicky took it from her hand. She knew what was in it and the eager smile was bit in place. "Someone's got a f*cking hell of an admirer out there," she giggled.

"Someone bought the whole basket?.. That's just nuts, you sure you're not pulling my leg?" Nicky reached for the envelope to open it up, glancing at the flower girl one more time to see if it was a joke.

"Bought the basket, too. It's all yours... that's fifty roses, Nick. And my ticket home. I'm outta this dump. Can you believe it? He gave me enough to fly home! I've gotta go and pack. I dunno what or who he is, but he is -hot-... did you get a load of that cologne? Hoowee, honey, you better be nice to him some more. Oo... love ya, gotta run or I'll miss my bus. Take care!" She hardly knew Nicky at all, but at the moment it was a sweet and sad goodbye with her quick half-hug, leaving Nicky with the envelope in her hand.

Along with the fifty glistening red roses in their basket was the other half of the stack of bills, crisply stacked together with a note. "Just for you. Thank you again ... " and it was signed ' Sweet Justice'.

Nicky hugged the girl back and smiled for her, watching her run off. She was happy to see that the girl was so happy and would be able to go home. Lucky kid, she thought and smiled some more, finally opening the envelope the rest ofthe way. Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped. "No way.." She whispered softly, reading the words written, over and over and the way it was signed. She sank down into her chair, letting a soft sigh out and pulling the rest of her money from the various places it had been tucked.The greatest sum coming from the bills he'd slipped her even before the stack he'd put into her top as she sat on his table sipping water. $1000 from that, another $1000 in the envelope.. what he'd slipped in before that.. a good $2500 just from him.. plus her other bills from the other patrons. A very very good take for tonight.. she chuckled softly, shaking her head and smiling as she picked up one of the roses to take a gentle sniff of it's scent. "One hell of an admirer.. for sure." Nicky took the flower with her as she washed up and changed into street clothes.

[Lovely]

It couldn't hurt to wait for her, he thought, staying outside at the door, talking small talk with the bouncer. If he missed her tonight, he could come and try again. Justice was in no hurry.

Nicky came walking out, her bag slung over her shoulder, money and note tucked away, carrying the basket of roses in her arms as she stepped onto the walk. Her skirt was black and short but modest in comparision to what was worn in the club, her top was snug and her curves could not really be hidden. The jacket was light and open in the front as she'd just tossed it on when she was ready to head out.

"Help you to your car, miss?" He called out as she walked past with her flowers.

She turned her head with a slight smile and an arched brow. "This basket is pretty heavy.. and no, because I don't have a car."

He came up alongside her, offering a hand to help with the basket and the other in introduction. "Justice. Sweet Justice, when it's a pretty lady such as yourself. May I get you a cab, then?"

"It's only a few blocks to the all night diner." She smiled and shrugged. "Dancing all night works up an appeite.. you know?"

"A few blocks on a nice night for a walk, then? If you'd be so kind to do me that honor?"

"Will you carry my flowers?" She asked him with that same soft smile he'd been shown before.

"Most certainly. I'd lay them at your feet for softer landing as well, but I think a vase might be a nicer home for them," he said, taking the basket in hand. "You must have worked up some appetite, then, because that is some dancing you do do."

Nicky chuckled gently, watching him a moment longer. "Are you naturally this charming or did you have to go to school for that?" It was her own way of complimenting and telling him he wasn't like other guys she'd come across.

"A school for misfits and philanderers, my dear. I graduated with the best of them," he chuckled. "Unfortunately, no, it's quite uncannily natural and I apologize from the start if you find it disturbing."

"Most people find me disturbing.. I find it refreshing.. it's different and I happen to like different." She shrugged again, her heels making a soft click against the sidewalk.

"Well I'm glad to hear that," he smiled. "Different is as hard to come by as those who appreciate it. So this place you're going to. Tell me what you like about it."

Nicky blushed and laughed softly. "Yeah.. well you really want to know? Um.. the people. What time of night is it hmm? i mean .. it's not your average joe walking in there this time of night.. or Miss Suzy Q working there. I like to watch the people.."

"Well they can watch us, too. No average anything, right?"

She nodded. "I suppose they could, but why would they want to? At least not me.. they are all much more interesting than I am."

"Well I for one find you fascinating," he whispered. "Nope, I mean it. Wish I'd gone to the school that taught you your charms. Though, I imagine any boy in his right mind would want to go to such a place. Hm.. anyway. I can hardly say I'm that interesting to watch, myself, but I do stir up a good card game once in a while."

[Lovely]

"And you say you're not interesting? You caught my eye in there." She smiled again, blowing a stray hair out of her face, her long dark locks clipped up and flowing in mussed waves out of the clip.

"Well not so much, no. Not compared to a pretty thing like you," he said, watching her play with her hair. "Well now see that's just cute."

She looked at him preplexed and tipped her head to the side, sending her hair in a tail to that side of her head. "What's cute?"

He chuckled lightly and whispered. "That pompom up on your head, Miss Nicky. Seems to be winning," he winked.

"Are you mocking me and my poof?" She asked with a smile, shaking her head a little to send the wild locks this way and that.

He chuckled more and shook his head. "Never one to mock a lady. Especially not one with strong legs.. and them pointy-toe shoes, hm?"

"You like my shoes?" Her smile was awfully cute and happy as she did a slight dance in front of him.

"I like what's in your shoes.. and .. well, all the way up, too," he said, giving her a grin that said he'd be crazy not to, even when she was more covered up. "So, is this the place?"

"Well.. thank you. I make a decent living with what I have.. men like it, some women as well." She glanced to the little diner they'd come in front of and she nodded. "This is the place."

"Well now if it ain't cute, too," he smiled. "Where I come from, Miss Nicky, places like this open at the crack of dawn and close up at noon. I think they miss out on all that charm you're talking about."

"Pity.. night owls are very facinating people." She pouted a little for the loss of those diners for not having this experience.

"Well then by default, my dear, we must both be fairly interesting. I don't suppose they have whiskey here?"

"If you come in with the right person, ask nicely and have the cash, Gertie will fix you up real good."

He gave her a look like she had to be kidding. "Well, hoping I musta come in with the right person, then, cuz I can only do so much."

"Well... maybe I'll put in a good word for you.. you did get me those beautiful roses." She pushed the door in with her hip and held her back against it so he could walk in with the basket.

"I've got the cash and the nice cov-..,' he started to say as her sway opened the door with a strong but soft thump, making him forget what he was saying in the first place. He shook his head and looked at the basket, sighing. Surely this did look fascinating. He was only a step behind her as she went to put in her good word.

"Hey Nicky!" Was shouted by a little old man at a table, who raised his weathered bony hand to great the gorgeous young woman as she stepped into the main area. "Hey George.. how you doing tonight?" She replied as she reached to hug him from behind and kiss his cheek. Then she sauntered up to the counter, waving back to the cook and murmuring softly to the lady behind the counter, with salt and pepper hair.

[Lovely]

"I'm thinking the word here is.. quaint," he said, looking around as he watched her make nice with the natives. Justice stood like the misplaced flowergirl, waiting for directions on how to go down the aisle, but he was happy enough watching the pretty girl down in front. He smiled to himself about nothing in particular and followed a few steps behind her.

Nicky turned and gave Justice a wink and smiled as she strolled back over, slipping her hand through his arm and nodding toward a corner booth which faced into the diner for the perfect view of everyone and also had a partial view out the window if one wanted to stare out instead. The booth was far enough back to leave the person unbothered and secluded if they wanted to be but also allowed them to join in with others if they preferred. "Hope this place is okay.." She offered to take the basket from him if he wanted.

He held the basket away and teased. "My friends back home always called me a basket case," he winked then offered her the lot and smiled, that little something "extra" seeming to come off him in subtle waves. "They're prettier on you, though. It'll do just fine."

"Basket case? That's encouraging!" She laughed softly, setting the basket to one side of the booth on one of the benches. Nicky had the urge to lean in and give him a soft kiss, she started to lean and barely caught herself, giggling as a cover as she turned back to the booth she led him to. She eased her coat of to rest next to it with her bag. She held out her hands to take his coat and place it with hers if he wanted to take it off. Her eyes seemed to gently study his face and eyes as she stood close to him.

"I insist," he said, shaking his head and instead offering to take her jacket and let her seat herself. "Ladies first."

She hesitated for a moment and then slid into the other side of the booth from their coats and the basket. She curled into the corner a bit and gave him an inviting smile as she waited for him to join her. Nicky grabbed the menu, though she knew easily everything they offered, it helped her to decide what she was in the mood for. "Are you hungry?" She asked Justice, chewing her lip softly as she perused the menu.

Making sure the coats and flowers were alright, he slipped down beside her. "I might be. Tell me what's good here," he smiled lightly, hardly taking his eyes off her.

"Depends on what you like." She commented, her finger running along the side of the writing on the menu. "You can get almost anything and they do take special orders and requests if what you want isn't on the menu.. they'll get it for you anyway." Her smile was fond as her gaze turned to him for a moment.

Gertie walked up with a bottled water for Nicky and an unmarked glass decanter that she set on the table with two glasses and a pitcher of ice. Another glass was set down for Nicky's water, the whiskey was not labeled but the color might give away what it was, if not the words that came from the older woman. "She put in a good word for you, hunbun.. anything else you'd like right now?"

His attention turned to the decanter at the waitress's words and then to her as he smiled, adding his adoring charm. "Just that sweet smile there, darlin'. You just make sure I get that check when she's done. And the rest of these folks. I'm feeling a mite generous tonight," he winked.

Gertie giggled and offered a warm not quite motherly smile as her eyes danced, though she shook her head. "Now hunbun.. I'm not giving you a bunch of strangers' late night dinner checks. You just worry about yourself sweetheart."

Nicky let her gaze flicker from Gertie to justice, was the woman blushing? She smiled a little and then stared at the man as he offered to pay everyone's bill. She wouldn't say anything in front of Gertie to put him on the spot but she might once the woman walked away.

[Lovely]

He looked at the nametag and smiled a little brighter. "Well then you won't mind much if I leave an extra penny in the pickle jar up there for anyone that might need a coin or two on the way out," he nodded, certain she'd agree that that would be generous enough, though it would be well more than just a few coins that he'd leave on their way out.

"Well of course not hunbun.." The woman giggled some more and tapped her fingers on her little notepad. "Everyone does that.."

Nicky sighed and closed her menu, looking up to Gertie. "Did you make any deviled eggs tonight? I'm having a craving.."

Justice felt the tickle of a chuckle at the thought of deviled eggs for some reason and the smile was pinched and fought with for a moment, while he reached for the decanter. "Some mighty fine tap water you have here. Mind if I order another pitcher when you get a moment, there, Miss Gertie?"

Gertie smiled big and bright and nodded. "I must have known -made up a big batch and they are chilling.. I'll make you up a box to take home when you leave.." Her eyes sparkled and she nodded to Justice. "Sure thing.. you're something else hunbun.. real charmer he is Nicky. finally bring a man in with ya and woohee." She winked and skittered off to get their order.

"What's she mean there by 'finally'?" He asked curiously, smirking gently as he picked up his glass to taste the fine 'tap' water. "Hooowee's right. Lady pours a fine glass," he said, letting the sour mash slide down slow and smooth.

Nicky pursed her lips and half smiled, looking down like she'd been caught, but was teasing in her manner. "Means.. you're the first guy they've seen me with.. the only one I've ever brought here with me." She looked at him now without the 'hiding' gaze. "They like to tease me about my lack of male company.. That's what the finally means."

"Well I'm right sorry to hear that, but glad to be the one to break your record, or whatever you might call that. I also find that a little hard to believe," he said, raising his gaze like he looked over fatherly glasses that weren't there.

"Why do you find it hard to believe?" She asked back, tipping her head and waiting for his reply, her fingers resting to the side of her face and her elbow propped on the table.

"I... I just do. Thought that... well I guess I thought wrong. Kinda happy I did, I think."

"Oh.. what did you think?" She prodded softly, it might be better not to know, but she still wanted to know what he thought and what impression he'd had of her. Whatever impression it was had apparently led to him seeking her out.

He mused over another sip from his glass before answering. "Thought for sure that a gem like yourself was being stolen away from some incredibly lucky man. Happy to find out that I won't be facing a fist or worse if I'm caught out with you," he grinned.

"No.. no lucky guy." She smiled a little more, almost chuckling. "It's not easy to meet guys in my line of work." She chuckled. "Okay let me rephrase that.. not easy to meet decent men.. no offence to you, but most men who come into the club are looking.. for the fantasy they see on stage and not the real person behind it. They don't want to hang out with me in a diner and talk or me in my jeans and a tee shirt or my fuzzy bunny slippers. They want the glitter and glam 24/7."

[Lovely]

He turned with chuckle. "Fuzzy bunny slippers? Now that is really cute," he said, shaking his head a little. "I'll tell you a secret, Miss Nicky. I don't go to clubs like yours often and I don't go for the glamour. I admit, the glamour is a nice touch, but it won't buy your sweetpotatoes and biscuits at the market or change the oil in your car. That is, if you had a car, of course. I'm a people person, and I like what's behind the curtain, if you'll excuse the expression."

"Why did you go tonight?" She asked him softly, more curious now that he'd devulged a little more about himself. "Plenty of girls are as shallow as you'd think, superficial, materialistic, easy, all about the glam and nothing else.. which is what gives us all a rep.. not everyone is like that but the ones who get the most attention and word spread about are.."

"Which is why I'm not out having fire water and deviled eggs with them," he winked. "I did say I don't go often. I've been a half dozen times, and saw your show each time.. and I sat a little closer each time. The word is 'enchantez', Miss Nicky. The way you handle a glass, too... well now," he shook his head as if the temperature rose ten degrees suddenly and he reached for his glass.

She smiled, looking like she might blush and then laughing softly. "Ah, I see.. so I guess you know that you got quite a bit more than I usually give the customers."

"Every drop if I recall rightly," he smirked, looking her in the eye finally. "And that's a mite pretty shade of cheerful on you. To what may I say I owe the pleasure of getting more than the usual Joe?"

She did blush now, deeply as she ran her fingers up and down the bottle. "Well.. I can't lie.. part of it was the money.. after all that is what I do for a living. But, that wasn't all it was, you were fun. I was enjoying myself. Think it might be the eyes, your expression.. " She felt embarrassed some that in anyway money had attracted her to him, she wasn't shallow and didn't really care all that much for a person's material value. But she had to be honest, she was on stage and working, and a big bill is kinda what it was about, though she'd found more than that in coming to his table.

He lifted his glass to clink against her icewater. "Honesty to be admired, as much as the rest of your talents. Thank you again. Though you don't need to go and sugar me up any," he grinned, shaking his head. "But it's nice just the same."

"If thats what you think I'm doing.. then you shouldn't be sitting here with me." She spoke softly, staring at the bottle in front of her and drawing her fingers over the drops of moisture that beaded on the sides.

He watched her fingers a moment and looked down to his own, working over a thought like a ball of clay in his mouth. "I suppose that was unfair of me and I apologize," he said, taking the rest of what was in his glass. "Where I come from, it's not usually the lady who doles out a compliment, especially around me. If I can, ain't no reason you can't, now, is there? You're a kind soul and it's appreciated," he said, looking like he'd been scolded, though it was mostly by himself. "But you did come to my table and now I've come to yours, but not with the intent of putting on a show or asking anything of you. "

Gertie swayed on over to the table with a tray of deviled eggs for them, pauseing for only a moment to watch the younger woman's expression. She smiled and nodded, speaking in a non intrusive tone. "You need anything else you just give me a holla.. hunbun."

Nicky bit her lip and slowly swung her gaze to the man next to her, with a slight smile she spoke again. "Well now.. everyone wants something..you wouldn't be here right now.. if you didn't want something. Not that it has to be anything bad.. even if you don't ask me for anything else.. you've already asked me for my time and my company. Which I am happy to share with you.. but if you have even the slightest interest in sharing it again.. you'll have to get used to me doling out compliments. I usually call it like I see it.. good or bad.. but I have this thing -where I prefer to see and point out the good in people."

[Lovely]

"Then I guess ol' Sweet Justice may have done met his match," he smirked. "Continue on seeing that good, Miss Nicky. There's something I want to share with you." He reached around the table and pulled a small notepad from his coat, untucking a card from the cover. "I know what you do for a living. Maybe you should know what I do."

Her smile brightened some and she nodded, starting to reach for the card he'd pulled out. "Thats fair, I suppose.. so what do you do?"

"I told you," he chuckled and let the card slide into her hand to peruse. "I'm a people person. More to the point, a talent scout of sorts. I'm what they call... an idolmaker, Nicky. Suffice it to say... you've been discovered."

Her brow furrowed and she shook her head, looking over his card and then up at him, confused. "What? Discovered?.. I don't understand.. " She murmured, looking down at his card again and then handed it back to him.

"Yours to keep, it's alright. It's what I do, and what I am, but my visit with you is personal, not business. I discover people, make them rich, make them famous, make them successful, help them find their dreams and live them."

"Oh." She was still confused, flipping the card in her fingers and gently setting it down on the table. "Must be very rewarding to help people find their dreams." She commented softly, reaching to pluck one of the eggs from the plate and settling back in the booth. "What brought you into the club? Was it work related?"

"Initially it was. Until I saw your show. Now it might be and it might not be. All depends on a pretty lady. What I saw up on that stage might have everything to do with me finding my own dream."

Her expression grew softer, she nibbled on her eggs while studying him. "So you didn't find what you were looking for.. you found something else?" She licked a bit of the deviled part of the egg off her fingers. "If you tell me about your dream... maybe I can help you find it."

"Yes and no," he grinned, watching her lick the egg off her fingers as he splashed another few drops into his glass. "First... I didn't know off hand that I was lookin'. When I realized I'd gone and found it anyhow, she was holding my drink for me," he chuckled.

"Was she? Well.. that was kind of nice of hear, must have caught you by surprise to realize what was right there was what you wanted to find." She reached for another egg and this time she offered a bite to him, held perched in her fingers.

He cocked an eyebrow at the offer and lifted his hand under hers as he took the bite. He watched her as his fingers touched her hand, that 'natural charm' wrapping around her like warm silk. "Very surprised. Must be that we understand one another, seeing what's good in a person like that."

Her eyes seemed to grow warmer as he touched her hand and she gazed at him, letting him take the bit from her finger tips. Her thumb brushed his lower lip to clear away a tiny smear of the egg. "It's hard to find but when you do it's well worth it."

He held on a moment longer to rest a gentlemanly kiss to her knuckle before slowly letting her hand go. "I must say, it's been worth every moment so far," he whispered. "And the old dog's off the clock, he's decided. This one's personal."

"Glad to hear that.. cause I have enjoyed your company, but I would have sent you packing if it were business." She was honest, but still warm and friendly in her expression of it.

[Lovely]

"And I wouldn't hear a moment of protest either way," he grinned, perhaps offering a challenge. "I tend to stick to what my mind's made up to do. Though I am glad to hear not much protestin' on your part."

Her eyebrow arched as she turned her face towards him again. "I am serious though.. any inkling of business.. I don't want any of that.. just so we're clear." She gave him another small smile and reached to grab another egg from the plate.

His hand reached for hers, as if he might slap it, but instead let his touch work its magic as he ran his fingers over her wrist. "The pleasure... is mine, Nicky. I assure you, business... is the furthest thing from my mind."

Her smile warmed gently as his hand ran over hers, the sparkle returning to her eyes. She let a soft giggle out and curled back towards him with the egg in her fingers. Leaning against the back of the bench she sighed softly. "That tickles."

"Does it now?" He grinned, seeming to be shocked, but not really as he pulled his hand away slowly. "Just trying to settle your pretty worried little head there. Don't want you thinking I'm trying to pull over some routine. Well... that is if I even had a routine to try and pull."

"alright.. alright.." She grinned, holding her egg gently towards his mouth. "Settled.. truce?"

He gave her a curious look and then watched her hand with the egg. He took a bite carefully and raised his eyebrow, finding it to be very well prepared, enough to have to say so around the bite he took. "Have to say, Miss Gertie...she does a fine batch of eggs."

"That she does.. she's amazing in the kitchen.. I aspire to be so talented." Nicky chuckled. "Though I have gotten a few lessons and recipes from her, I don't think I'll ever be as good as she is."

"Best way is practice and having someone to try them out on," he said, not meaning much by it as he fixed his glass with more of his 'water'. It wasn't a moment before he turned back, a little pale. "I wasn't suggestin' of course that... I mean I'd be most honored, but that wasn't what I had intended."

Her lips curved slightly down in a barely there pout. "Oh.. of course." Was she hoping he'd meant it differently? "So.. this is like a one time deal.. better make the most of the couple hours then.. what do you want to do?"

"No, that's not what I intended either," he sighed, again working over words he hadn't yet said like clay. He swirled his glass and took another sip. "Maybe if I'd just say how it all sounds in my head, we'd be better off. I intended how it sounded, but I have to confess, I ... I don't know where I'd even start. You see, Nicky... I don't want to put words or ideas there. I want them to be yours. I don't know how to explain that, but... that tickle you felt... seems to undo me faster than my tongue does trying to spit out what I'm not quite sure how to say... well, like right now."

She bit her lip and shifted her position to lean toward him. resting one arm on the table. "I see.. no.. actually I'm not really sure at all what you are trying to say."

"I don't want to give you ideas or even bring them up, alright? Cuz when I do, seems I'm leading the show and maybe I just don't want to do that... not right now. It's... well it's a gift, I'd say, but I can't really say it's one I like having some days."

"So you don't want to tell me what you want? I have to guess or be some needy clinging girl and chase you?" She made a face and sighed softly, she really would rather not act like that.

He looked at her sideways and shook his head, mulling over his drink before taking a larger sip than he had. He set down the glass and pushed it away, turning himself to face her fully. "I can tell you what I want, Miss Nicky. I just don't want to be the one to decide how to get there," he nodded as if resolving to keep things as cryptic as possible. His hand came back to hers again, and as he leaned closer, she might sense the power of what he was trying to explain without saying it outright in a room of strangers. "It's about control and not wanting it," he said, giving her a small example of enticing her to guide her fingers into his.

[Lovely]

Her fingers slid into his and she watched him curiously. "Control.. I don't get it.. what does that have to do with being honest about what you want or intend. I'm just asking for straight answers.. are you just hoping for a one night stand or are you really interested in me.. and maybe more.. you know dates and that stuff? I'm not a one night stand girl.. so if that's what you are hoping to get out of this or have me initiate.. don't hold your breath." Her thumb gently stroked over his hand and she sought his eyes with hers. "But if thats not what this is about.. then don't be afraid to say so.. tell me you'd like to try my cooking sometime or that there's some movie out you're dying to see and you'd love to take me.."

He couldn't be sure. His touch on hers was coated with the same air that charmed her and their waitress, but she'd brought up things he hadn't yet suggested. Perhaps things were working as he wanted without making it happen. "Wouldn't go so far to say I'm afraid. There's more than one night planned up in this noggin' already, but most all that depends on you, doesn't it? Alright.. so here it is. I'd love to go to a movie and take you. You tell me which one. We'll go... after you surprise me with whatever specialty you've got your heart set on learning. I'd love to try it and maybe a few other things you might just cook up."

"I have no idea what movie." She admitted with a soft chuckle. "Been a long time since I've been to one.. guess we'll have to find out what's playing. I'll ask Gertie to suggest something good for a date. As for other things I might cook up.. you might be inviting trouble on that one." Nicky bit her lip, pausing for a moment and clearing her throat. "Try not to take this the wrong way.. but do you like kids?"

"Kids? Wh-what about kids? Sure I like 'em, but I'm a little confused here." Confused was something that knit Justice' brow up in a tight knot. Didn't she just get through telling him she didn't have men too close?

She cleared her throat softly, nervously and her cheeks heated a little. "Yeah.. umm.. the other reason there is no boyfriend.. my younger brother.. lives with me.. since he was eight, but I just got full custody legally about a year ago."

"Oh, well that's a mighty fine role you have, then. Boy better behave himself, especially around those pointy shoes," he winked, relieved it was a brother she spoke of."

"Most guys .. well I guess I lose that stage glam when they see me as big sis slash mom.. you know again with the being real thing." She glanced at him, her smile peeking out again. "Kinda nice that you didn't just book it for the door."

"Now what did I tell you about the glam and the stage? I don't see the flashy lights and sequins here, do you? Just some.. shiny deviled eggs and good company. I'm sure you do fine keeping good care of him as you do you."

She laughed softly, leaning over to kiss his cheek. "Thank you. It just takes a little getting used to.. you not running away from the real person."

"Well now that was a surprise," he said softly, a little giddy. He hadn't prompted it, or if he had, he didn't even notice. "No, I don't think I'm going to running anywhere, except maybe to get you out of here someplace a little less...," the word he wanted was painted all over the open, bright and visible ambience of the friendly cafe.

[Lovely]

Just because, she leaned and kissed his cheek again. "So there!" She giggled and looked around the diner, biting her lower lip softly. "I.. I'd suggest a visit to my place, but I don't know how you feel about.. well you know -meeting the family already. He should be sleeping, but that doesn't mean his is."

"Without big sister to tuck him in, I can imagine he wouldn't sleep as well." Justice offered a sweet grin and seemed to relax more than he had been. "No, I don't think I'd want to meet your family just yet. I think that will be a privelege to earn after that movie, just to settle you for sure on that idea you seem to have about me running for that door. I don't feel my feet moving that fast any time soon."

"Then where will I cook you dinner before the movie?" She teased, relaxing more herself, it felt a little like she was dreaming. A guy who actually liked her.. just as she was, who didn't expect or seem to want her to be this sex pot flashy ditz.. it was refreshing, nice and just strange.

He shrugged. "So I'm making this up as I go? When I said I had it planned out up here, I wasn't looking so deep at the details. You tell me where I need to be and if they're there, well I'll meet them, I suppose."

She looked a tiny bit shy for a moment as she gave him a cute little grin. "I think I like you right here." She motioned to how close they were, glancing over his face to catch his reaction, hoping she wasn't being 'too much'. It just felt so good being wih him.

No time like the present if opportunity was there, he knew and felt he could pull it off without seeming too forward. Justice watched her gesture and nodded, closing the gap a little more as he reached to kiss her lightly. "I hope you don't mind so much if I stay put then?"

After a little more conversation and a few more soft kisses, Justice gave her a hint that he would like to find someplace else to continue this exchange. "So, Miss Nicky. What else is there to see in this part of town?"

"Not alot.. but plenty .. not sure what I can show you.. I don't have a car and we have all those flowers.. and I have a good amount of cash on me.. not the wisest to walk around with.. you know?"

"I wouldn't have any idea," he smirked. His eyes seemed to shimmer a little with a little more personable charm than the waves that flowed from him. "Maybe we should get you home so you can tend to your brother and tuck him in right. Seems I'm keeping you up past your curfew as is."

"Maybe.. " She pouted slightly and shrugged, her eyes carefully moving over him. "..maybe I like being kept out past curfew by you?.. maybe I don't want to say goodbye or goodnight.. just yet.."

"Didn't say you had to say either one to me, now, did I? How about we ask Gertie to wrap you up that box there, we get a cab and go from there?"

Her smile was soft and shy as she leaned close to him again, giving him a light kiss on the lips. "Think I can tempt you to join me for a little while? I have a very nice couch that seats more than one."

"Hmm.. I think you just did," he whispered, looking over the details of her face, the depth of her eyes and those lips. He nodded and offered another light kiss. "Before they all start carryin' on about you... place has that kinda feel, I think. Not that I mind them seeing, but well, maybe I just want to keep you to myself a little bit, too."

[Lovely]

Nicky nodded to his idea, she wouldn't mind being kept by him for awhile.. she liked the way she felt with him. He made her laugh and listened.. uh oh.. she was in trouble. "I think I might like that.. only if it goes both ways.. I get to keep you a little too."

"I think we might come to some sort of arrangement," he winked, sliding out of the booth to get their coats. "Miss Gertie, it's been a pleasure, but it's time for us to go."

She slid out of the booth behind him, letting him help her with her coat and then she reached for her purse, digging out some money to give to Gertie.

"Shh, now put that away. That's yours to hold onto, now," he said, smiling like they were playing a prank, but it was the real deal. He was picking up the tab as he said he would and tried to get her to put her money away. "Buy your brother something nice you haven't been able to ever get for him. I'll get this."

Her eyes sparkled and she smiled sweetly, leaning to kiss his cheek. "Thank you.. but I always pay for George's tab." She whispered quietly so only he would hear, not wanting to embarras the kind old man.

"Alright, you can pay his, but I have yours, deal?" The smile was as disarming as the others he'd offered and he almost seemed to dance with her as she leaned into him and he offered her her coat.

She let her arm wrap around him a bit and she nodded, his smile was something else and she couldn't help smiling back. "Deal.. flowers and dinner.. I'm getting spoiled tonight."

"Only just started," he mused. He gathered his own coat in his hand and brought her up to the counter. Letting go to fiddle with his wallet a moment, he brought out a couple bills, the top he showed as a single dollar bill, but underneath, hidden and folded, were two $100 he put in the tip jar. The tab itself was paid with a little extra enough for Gertie herself, but not so much that she'd argue.

Nicky said her goodbyes to the regulars, Gertie came around and gave her a hug, winking at Justice and telling him he'd better take good care of her girl. Nicky had her back to them as she bent to give George a hug and kiss on the cheek.

"Course I'll take good care of her," he assured the woman he was certain had adopted Nicky as her own like many of the other regulars. "You stay sweet, now." He offered Gertie a sweet smile and collected Nicky from the old man.

********************

It had taken longer to situate themselves around the flowers in the cab and get them all safely out again than the ride had taken to get them to the apartment. Justice covered the cabfare, generously bestowing the driver with a tip comparable with the others and dismissing him, telling him if he needed him, he'd call, but he wasn't planning on leaving soon. Once ushered in and the flowers safely behind the door with them, the same strangely electric smile adorned his face as he helped her with her coat. "Slip this off, then I was thinking... of maybe an entirely different kind of slip," he suggested, wondering where the idea might take her.

His manners were charming and it was working, the longer she spent with him the more she enjoyed his company and the less she wanted the night to come to an end. "Thank you." He helped her with her coat and she smiled softly at him, pointing to the hook it usually was hung on. His comment had her wondering what he meant and she chewed lightly at her lower lip, hoping he wasn't thinking of leaving. "Slip? Hmmm like into something more comfortable? Something soft, warm, and cuddly.." She mused out loud at what she hoped he meant.

[Lovely]

"Yes'm, that'd be me. Don't I look cuddly?" He shrugged and posed, teasing her but he gave no impression he was thinking of leaving. He hung her coat and slipped his own off now, locking the door as he hung it beside hers.

Nicky smiled playfully, teasing him as she looked him up and down. "Mmm no.. not yet, but you will be later when you're worn out some." Her eyebrow arched up as her finger tip drifted lightly over her lip. "Sleepy and smiling.. or at least I hope we will be."

The gears behind the brilliant shine of his smile were clicking and whirring, liking the direction her thoughts went. He reached out for her hands, his own emptied of the drinks and bills and flowers. They were away from the audiences and bright lights now where she'd see only him like he'd wanted. "Oh come on. I'm cuddly now... aren't I?"

He made her laugh quietly and she smiled sweetly at him, taking his hands and stepping closer to him. "Very.. which is why I want to cuddle with you." She did her best to show him by leaning in to kiss him softly.

"You do? I mean... well sure you do," he said, perplexed more and more that the less and less he tried... He returned the kiss, this time not letting go for a long moment.

Her arms tangled around him as she nudged, pushed and guided him towards a soft fall to her cushions. The warm peach tones of her room in the moonlight gave them both a gentle glow. "Shhh.. " She giggled softly as he added the last bit. "It's alright. I like you.. I really do.. now hush and like me back."

"Hmm.. that's a job I'll take on all to myself, no halfway about it... may take both hands though," he teased, pecking softly, tasting, following, teasing, playing... more intrigued by the moment and not even noticing the room that spun around them.

Her head tipped back under a soft sigh and her fingers curled to his his shirt over his back. With a chuckle that was as soft as her sigh, she curled her leg behind his to trip him and tumble them onto the bed. Her kisses followed down over his neck and back up to his mouth.

Not expecting to test gravity, he wasn't minding the result of the test, landing comfortably in the tumble and underneath her, completely at her mercy. Looking up at her on the stage, there seemed to be a wall of glass between them, but here, looking up at her, into those eyes, the smokey haze was all her and beautiful. He lay stunned a moment, content to just admire and enjoy.

She slid her hands over his chest, feeling the shape and warmth of him beneath her, her lips trailed over his neck and her fingers worked his buttons free for kisses to tickle lower over the revealed flesh.

The whiskey had warmed him plenty, but she was doing a far sight better even as layers were shifted away. He was rugged and muscular, more than his dark colors revealed. A dark thought washed through his mind, pulling his attention to try and shake it free. She wasn't like that, he knew she wasn't and never would be... it had nothing to do with the money he'd graciously given her and would give again, or the flowers. It was him, not his wealth or power or gifts. The thought settled down and he groaned, first at himself for even thinking it, but more as the kisses continued and her hands warmed him more. He couldn't help but respond, slipping from the stunned and motionless state into eager and restless. It had to be a dream... it just had to be.

[Lovely]

She was warm, warmer than usual and she assumed it was due to the 'gentle' ferality she possesed. Her brothers were much stronger and in tune with this gift, she seemed to have a lighter touch of it, the instinct and senses and at the moment it appeared Justice had awoken a hunger. The way he responded to her excited her and she just wanted to feel more, wanted to feel him against her, touching her, tasting her. She didn't care if it was just a dream, she'd never felt such an attraction or connection to anyone and she wasn't about to let this pass her by -no matter how many of her own rules she was breaking.

Maybe it was the whiskey doing more talking than he'd wanted, but she seemed to be saying plenty and though he had no word or thought to express beyond the simple nibbling replies, he seemed to be sharing so much information in return. The room he hadn't noticed spinning was beginning to spin him slightly as he settled back into the cushions, sighing quietly. He couldn't help the charm, the natural relaxation that made the sense of calm and warmth flow easily around them. He hadn't needed it, but it needed her and wanted her that much more now.

It was as if she could feel how he relaxed and that vibe seemed to fill the room and she smiled softly. Her kisses and touch -though still filled with a heat eased to a calm slow exploration. There was a need for him but no rush to have this time end. She wanted to dive into him, but keep swiming for a long while yet. Her mouth found his as she stretched and slid over him, still wanting more of him bare but content to tangle with him endlessly.

"Long time til mornin' yet," he managed to smile out as her kisses moved more slowly. He stretched a little to prop up his head on his wrist beneath the pillow, the charm flowing on its own as it had in the club, without direction or forced thought, just lingering with opportunity and adventure of whatever would decide to drive it along. "Does this mean I won out over the bunnies? They .. uh... won't attack in my sleep, right?"

Her giggle likely tickled his ear as she burried to his neck a moment. "I'll protect you." She whispered, kissing the softness of his neck lightly. She lifted her head and her sweet smile shone at him, her smokey gaze drifting over his face. "Long time till morning means a long time to enjoy being this close... suppose we should get comfortable. If you don't feel too shy?" She guided his hands to her hips and the short skirt she wore.

"Am comfortable," he seemed to pout a little, watching back and curious. "Not too shy, despite appearances."

"I'm glad you are.. you don't mind if I..?" She motioned to her outfit and then to the pajama shirt that hung off the bedpost above his head. "This skirt is cute an all but it' s a little binding and these shoes could cause damage to my sheets." She leaned down and spoke softer, close to his lips. "Feel free to get more comfortable if you'd like to." She wouldn't insist that he change or strip down, though later she might try more to do it if he didn't now, but she was making the offer to let him just be how he wanted. She tilted to meet his lips and offer him a sweet kiss as well.

"No, no minding here." Justice nodded, reluctant to shift his hands away now, but offering to help a little in the way of unbinding while he was there. "Kick off whatever you want. I'm happy just like this."

She didn't want to move away from him and that showed in how slowly she shifted away and how her kisses still hovered tenderly over his lips as she slid off the bed. The shoes were tugged off, the skirt and shirt were tossed to a small basket by the closet door and for a moment she was bare again for him to look upon. She shifted and turned to toss and reach, graceful in her moevements even when off stage. The pajama shift was in her hands now and fluttering as it was shifted on, her fingers being swift with the buttons so she could come back to the comfort and warmth of the man in her bed.

[Lovely]

He reached out to keep her fingers from doing up too many. "Wasn't minding that either," he chuckled, holding his arm for her to slide into as she came back. "Nicky, I hope you're not minding.. that this is all just right, just like this. Not in any hurry, not that... well a lot's crossed my mind in a short while. This is alright, isn't it?"

She stopped with less then half the buttons done and slid happily down next to him, curling closely and leting her eyes close. She listened to him and her smile grew brighter. "I was thinking the same thing.. very much the same things it appears." She giggled softly and let her arm wrap around his middle, her head resting down to his chest. "Told ya I was crazy."

"You're no-... would you stop? You're not anywhere near crazy," he chuckled, liking the sound of her laugh and teasing her. "You want crazy, you let me tell more about ol' one-way Rutherford and his pappy's still. Best moonshine in the county, but them boys had to put up a new barn every year. They kept blowin' it sky-high. That's... crazy. This is just... nice and cozy. I like it."

She liked his voice and the things he talked about, he didn't just drone on about himself or use superficial flattery like so many who tried to catch her eye. He spoke sincerely and of real things and people and not concieted about himself. Nicky even liked that he teased her a little -didn't keep her up on a pedastal and think he had to fill her head with sugar. "I'm glad you like it.. I like it very much.. like having you here. Glad I decided to take a chance."

"Glad you did too. You, uh.. don't have a still in your basement, do you? Only fire I want to worry about... is this one," he muttered, pulling her back closer to nuzzle and nibble gently.

She laughed again, her arm curling tighter around him for a moment as she did. "Not unless my brothers set one up while I was at work tonight." She let him pull her and sank further to return the affection, feeling .. just right. Everything felt like it was where it belonged, she wasn't one to believe in meant to be when it came to herself but this was making her reconsider that idea. "Would you be terribly upset if I said I wanted to fall asleep in your arms?" Of course she didn't say exactly when.. the thought crossed her mind of -everynight from now on but she wasn't about to voice that and scare him off. That kind of thought scared her a little to have, but as right as everything felt, it was natural.

"Only if you told me I couldn't be here when you wake up. Which I intend to be, so get comfy. I'll just watch," he smiled, settling himself back a little more comfortably himself. This was something he could easily get used to.

She shook her head, smiling against his neck where she was kissing tenderly. "I really hope you are." She whispered, though easy for him to hear with her so close.

"Sweet as always, only better," he reminded her, nearly purring as his eyes shut a little heavier to the soft nibbles on his neck. The extra glass or two of whiskey had been working on him a while and being this relaxed, he wasn't planning on leaving for a long while.

"mmmm I like how that sounds." She murmured, snuggling closer and letting her head rest back to his shoulder, her soft warm breath gently beezing over his skin.

"That's it. I'll just watch," he said more softly, his eyes not even open at the moment, but the scene in his mind kept the softly flowing charm at an even level in his slowing and relaxing breaths. He hugged her like a tiny bear in a boy's arm, a soft squeeze, and curled a little more gently.

"Mmm hmmm." She sighed out softly, her lids feeling heavy but her smile softly in place as she relaxed further against him. He arm shifted slightly and her hand came to rest on his chest, feeling the steady thump of his heart beneath it. Her bed had never quite felt this comfortable and she was drifting blissfully off to sleep.