Not that way

[Lovely]

October 18, 2008
11:30 p.m.
=================

It was quiet, dark and chilly, but that was to be expected at this time of night or rather early morning if you looked at it that way. It was past the curfew set for this section of town by a few hours anyone caught out faced an uncertain fate at the hands of the corrupt and power happy patrol officers. A sweet faced girl like the one who's heels clicked softly along the pavement was sure to amuse them for a few hours, maybe days. The stories were rich with the 'fun' the patrol liked to have with girls they found breaking curfew, often times such girls were left broken, many times to broken to go on after such 'punishments'. They either died from the injuries or took their own lives afterward. It was a hard lesson to learn, and one that no one should have to. The girl who was out tonight, looked as if she might have left a party too late and was now trying to get home without being caught out. Her blonde hair swung lightly behind her, falling about waist length as her steps hurried along. She stopped and spun, her eyes darting around as a noise from behind her startled her. The alley she paused in front of was full of even darker shadows.

A nearly silent curse filtered through the hiss of steam and the whine of distant tracks carrying empty cars to unknown destinations. He stayed still on the fire ladder, unmoving but amused. At first he was certain the clicks on the concrete were from cops, their sticks and chains tapping on shined buckles and holsters, looking for him or others out taking advantage of the dark-upon-dark places. The screw from the vent he was pulling apart had clinked to the ground below him and he saw her pass, through the grate appearing framed in odd shapes, cut apart momentarily as she stopped, each body part showing in a separate box like a lady sawed in half and half again. She didn't look up, only around and started off again. She might even feel a momentary fear, at his request, he smiled.

The vent was forgotten, the utility knife spun away into a small pack that he flung back over his shoulder. No one else appeared to be around. He cast himself down from the ladder to the ground. The movement was practiced, efficient and nearly soundless on softened rubber soles although the boots appeared heavy and covered almost to his knee with buckles and utility sheaths. She gone around the corner at the alley's end. She'd have to, there was a fence on one side walling off the lot of the tenament that was due to be demolished soon - sometime in the next decade. It had waited a decade already and was mostly gutted and useless except to those that made it their home. It wasn't a place for a girl like her at an hour this late. He followed, almost morbidly curious whether anyone else might have found her first. A fight right now would brighten his otherwise dull plans that he'd shined up with a simple break-in to pass the time. All the better to pass the time on a sweet honey all alone, he thought.

It was strange and disturbing to her to feel the shiver of fear, the hair pricking up on the back of her neck. Enough so, that her hand came up to rub the sensation away, she looked around again and turned to keep moving. She didn't know this section well and found herself at a fence, a growl of frustration quietly worked it's way free. "Great." She whispered, turning again to round the corner at the end of the alley, needing another way out. Her eyes started to move around her to the run down buildings and she knew in some there were 'others' hiding and living. She shrugged her coat around herself to keep the chill at bay and paused again, listening.. footsteps -she knew she heard them. Then again and this time voices ahead of her where she'd have to turn again. Not likely -she didn't mind a fight if they were unfriendly but she didn't like going in blind. She didn't know what was around the corner and there were at least two voices.. it could be patrol. She sighed softly and took a step back, careful to step quietly, her intent to move into the darker shadows and watch, wait for them to pass if possible.

She'd stopped. He stepped backwards to watch from around the corner to see what she might be looking at. He was too far back to hear what she heard but close enough to offer his bit of advice. Few things were as exciting as watching a girl go into hysterics and be the one to help calm her down and play her hero. Maybe the hysteria wasn't needed, but a gentle push of more fear might be enough. She was cautious already so he didn't need to overdo it. Appearing now from the corner as if he had nothing at all to do with her, he stepped confidently forward, ready, listening and casually coming up from behind her.

The fear she was feeling was really bothering her -what was wrong with her? It didn't feel right, she knew to be cautious and smart, but what was she scared of? She swallowed, taking another slow step back and rubbing her neck again. She actually jumped a little when the guy came around the corner, but thankfully didn't scream -that would have been mortifying. Her eyes were a little wide as her head turned to take him in better, was she actually trembling? "Get yourself together." She whispered, hardly loud enough to be called a whisper.

He looked up as if having no idea she was there until she spoke. He was nearly beside her in a few steps. "Pardon?" He was at all unpleasant to look at, though he'd been out in the open a while and showed the roughness around the edges. His head had been mostly shaved and was showing a shadow a few days old that would appear a sandy brown if left to grow more. Hardly the starkest of his features, the thinly covered pate was outdone by the remarkable shine of mossy green eyes that fixed on her from out of the darkness. He smiled and whispered quietly. "You shouldn't be out here... all alone.. never know what might happen." He could hear the whispers ahead now and smiled broader. Interesting things could happen.

She looked up at him, he was a bit taller than she was and even more so as he got closer. While she had the sweet pouty girl look going for her, he had more sharp, edgey handsome features working for him. His eyes were gorgeous up close and she stared a moment too long, before glancing away and to the end of the alley. "Very true.. but a girl has to get home somehow."

"Does she? Any particular home you have in mind?" He watched her and listened to the voices up ahead. Policers at least. He took a step back and reached to pull her back with him, nodding toward the trouble ahead though he had plenty of trouble for her himself. "You're not going that way unless you're ready to go home to a three foot box with a lot of questions. Where's home?"

Her hand came up to keep him from grabbing her too close as he pulled her back with him. For all she knew he was working with them, maybe he got to have a piece if he helped them get some. It wasn't like he'd be the first to turn someone else in. "Mine's several blocks.. that way." She nodded the way she'd been heading, keeping her answer vauge and turning back to meet his gaze.

[Lovely]

In his presence, the fear she felt would be fading as he backed off from that influence a little. In the absence of it, she might feel inclined to trust him. If she was smart, she wouldn't give in so easily. His gaze bore deeply as if he saw more than just the girl in front of him. He hoped that on some wave near the surface her memory would show him a glimpse of 'home' as it rippled to the forefront of her consciousness. The flash was short and not enough to see clearly. His eyes darted away a moment later, drawn to the sounds ahead as the footsteps turned to head towards them. "Several blocks in the wrong direction. Can you run in those shoes?"

Something was fishy and she didn't fully trust this guy not to have some trick up his sleeve -maybe he was a rat working for the patrol. Too bad -he was a good looking rat. She eyed him warily, though less afraid of him than the patrol officers. There would be at least three of them and if he was working with them, that was four against one. She thought of home -the spacious and clean three bedroom apartment she shared with two other girls in the complex in sector 16 -a 'nicer' part of the city. It wasn't that much better than here, but it was safer with their 'family'. She heard the footsteps turning their way and she sighed -she'd have to go along with him -for now at least. "Honey I could run in 6 inch stilettos."

"Nobody's honey, at least not lately," he said quickly, moving back the way they'd come, back toward the fence. "Start stepping. You'll be safer on the other side of the fence. Come with me." It sounded strange, but it was true. The transients didn't have much fight left to them anymore, no food, few clothes and even less pride. If anything, those with any fight left would help them against the patrol. "Call me Pan, for now... like Peter," he quipped with a brief smile. "Just keep thinking happy thoughts and maybe we both can fly." He was only going to help her over the fence. Then again, he knew as little about her as she did about him. "Unless you have any better ideas?"

"Aww most guys like when a pretty girl calls them honey.. unless of course you don't think I'm pretty." She pouted a little and her eyes narrowed, but she followed him -moving quickly and quietly away from the patrol. "I have plenty of ideas.. whether they are better is another story."

"Time and place for that - this is neither one," he explained, moving faster. She was pretty enough, but that wasn't what was on his mind at the moment. Sector 16 was too far away, directly through the patrol and likely two more just like this. "Probably not the time to ask this either, but can I get your number? If we get separated... would hate to think I didn't help you get all the way to 16 safely.. the kinda guy I am. I worry about people." His smile held a strange sincerity to it, though he'd still rob them blind and maybe shake them up a little.

"Sure I'll give you my card.." She didn't quite chuckle, but was amused that he'd ask her for her number as they were running from the patrol. But there was something in his smile that struck her and she gave a slight smile back. She reached into her shirt on the left side, untucking a card from her bodice and offering it to him with a flick of her wrist. -Indigo Designs- The blue logo was simple and her name -Vara James- as well as her number and her shop's address was on the card. "And if I don't make it back safely -you know where to inform my next of kin."

"Won't happen. You'll be fine," he said, glancing over the information quickly before tucking the card in his boot. Fear he could instill easily but reassurance was a different story. The patrol appeared from the corner as they got to the fence. "At least one of us will be. Up and over. I'll follow you in a minute."

She glanced back at the patrol and let a soft snort out. "Right.. up and over so you can meet up with your boys, circle round and corner me? I don't think so.. I'm not letting you get five feet from me. Start climbing." Her dark eyes challenged him softly and her hand rested on the curve of her hip.

"My boys?" He laughed. It was a sweet and small chitter he tried to keep from being too loud. "My boys don't wear those uniforms, trust me. This isn't my party and I have no plans on crashing it, thanks." He was planning on ending it quickly, however, taking a stance in front of the fence and pulling his pack down from his shoulder to pull out something other than his knife. A length of chain wrapped in vinyl tape, heavy but noiseless, looked like a thick whip in his hand and hard to see without the metal reflecting in the light. He wasn't running.

Well that was more like it, she smiled -licking her lips a little as she watched him. "Well now honey.. if you think I'm going to let you have all the fun.."

"Yeah, I think I am... honey. Get your a** up that fence. I'm no doctor and the only tape I have is on here to piece you back together if they get their hands on you." His eyes were shinning even more now, excited and welcoming of the fight. Beneath the smile his mind was sending out wave after wave of concern and ... panic... meant entirely for the officers to think that maybe they, themselves, were the ones outnumbered. Truthfully, he could piece her back together, but not out here. His 'boys' weren't the kind to play out in the open often, but they knew a thing or two about blood and bones to keep him and themselves healthy enough to enjoy the next party like the one coming up on them now.

Vara sighed and reached to the chain-link, curling her fingers into it to hoist herself up and then over. "Suit yourself.. once I get over -left or right?" A length of leg swung over his head, so she could get a toe hold into the fence.

[Lovely]

"Left, go a couple yards up. There's a blast-out in the side of the building.. smells like shit, you can't miss it. Most of the drunks don't. You can stay in there or get lost in there if you go deeper in - your choice," he smiled again. If she did decide to go wandering inside the 'abandoned' building, it could be a long night for them both. One end of the chain dropped to the ground before he flailed it out at the first patrolman. "Evening officer... what can I do to you tonight?" His concentration was now fully on the men coming up on them as he tried to keep them back with his mind teasers and the chain.

She followed his directions, looking back as she dropped to the other side of the fence, to see him tangle with the first officer. Okay she had to admit -he was pretty sexy in a dangerous way and watching him 'defend her' all noble like that was making him even more attractive in her eyes. She didn't have time to admire too much, and scurried off to find this hole to hang out in and wait to see if he made it there after her.

Two of the three backed off suddenly, looking to each other and around the area for others. One told the other to get back-up and he scurried away as told. The first in the melee was left gagging with the weight of chain wrapped tightly around his neck. Pan pulled the chain once and it was followed by an ugly sounding snap, leaving the man on the ground and his cohort behind him mystified. "What's the matter Jack? Not afraid are you?" He giggled again like a small boy delighting in making a new toy work for the first time. It was a well-practiced toy, however, reaching out to the man's senses and darkening every shadow he looked at. Pan approached him slowly and knocked a block of air with his 'whip', making another heavy crack followed by a similar crack of its sheer weight on the concrete as it fell back beside him. He looked over his shoulder to be sure that the girl had gotten out of sight. Now for his next trick. His eyes flared a moment. "I was never here, you never saw me," he grinned, rolling the chain up into his hand. The man still appeared mystified, terrified, backing away still and forgetting even that he had a gun and a taser at his fingertips. Pan giggled again and sent his hand sailing, the chain in it spinning the man around to find his own spot of concrete. "Rise up, rise up," he taunted... a team taunt though he was the only one here now. He nudged the man with a foot. "Oooo that's gonna hurt in the morning." His laugh echoed through the alley as he stepped back to gather his things and launch himself over the fence. "Too f**king easy some nights it doesn't even pay." He stopped a minute to shake his thoughts loose before heading off into the shadows to find the girl.

She had ducked in as he'd told her -not entirely sure why she'd trusted him, but she did -sort of. She didn't go very far in, just out of sight and near the wall -she crouched watching the other inhabitants of the rank hole. She curled, ready to strike or defend if need be, her arms rested over her bent knees, her legs smooth and sleek- covered in shadows.

"Rise up, rise up," he laughed to the shadows, passing by a hunched figure of a man shuffling by slowly outside. He patted the man on the shoulder and stuffed something in the guy's pocket. "Safe keeping Mildred." He clasped the man by both shoulders and bounced up to kiss the man's forehead. He wouldn't remember where the money had come from or why, only that he was lucky to find it there.. and his name wasn't Mildred. Pan circled around him and ducked into the hole, looking for anything clean and pretty that had to be the girl. "Rise up...," he muttered at the huddled figure by the wall. "You okay?"

She stayed crouched, looking up at him with a guarded expression. "You're right -it does stink in here. Do you hang out here much?" Her eyebrow arched up and she slowly got to her feet, glancing around to the shadows.

"Me? Nope. Not unless it's raining out. Not a big fan of rain - especially the kind that melts boots like we get out here." He offered his hand to help her up. "Come on. I think you said you have a couple blocks to go to get home safe, right? Sec 16 I think you said?" She hadn't said it and he knew she hadn't.

"It's hard to find a good pair of boots." She murmured, rising to stand though she didn't take his hand. Her eyes narrowed as she regarded him. "I don't recall saying.. " Had he known the address on the card was in that section? Her lips twitched a little and her tongue slipped across them. "But hey.. it's nicer than this -so why not?"

"Hmm.. Didn't you? I could've sworn," he shook his head, grinning like he had a secret. It was up to her to guess. The little bit of playtime was making him more playful now even though she didn't take his hand. "The morgue is nicer than this. I'd rather the smell of formaldehyde than piss any day. So... why not? We can take our time. I doubt anyone's coming after us now."

"Just my luck.. the good looking one has to be insane.. " She smiled more now, looking sweet but naughty as she twirled a lock of her long hair. "I suppose I should thank you.. for helping me out back there."

"Not yet," he nodded, watching the hair flip around her fingers. "For any of the above, but I have my moments. I should thank you for the compliment... and the good looking part. Ready? Sure you're not hurt?"

[Lovely]

She chuckled, her eyes moving over his face and she tossed the lock of hair she'd been playing with, over her shoulder. "I'm sure, thanks.. lets get out of here." She motioned for him to lead the way. She was curious about him, he was good looking.. there was something about him.

He stepped out through the opening first, looking up and down the now-deserted street. Sirens echoed from another sector and the rail rattled and hissed again as it shuttled more shadows around the town. A single lonely neon sign shone blue now against the black backdrop half a block away. Everything else was asleep now, or should be. He led toward the sign, keeping alert of both her and the area.

She followed along quietly at first, simply walking beside him and glancing over at him now and then. Finally after a few moments she cleared her throat softly. "So.. where are we headed?" For some reason she had a feeling they weren't heading towards her place but she was a little turned around now.

"Shortcut," he said, watching the light ahead and the doorway under it. "Just don't go running off anywhere. You won't like your freedom for too long if you do."

"Right.. you want to put me on a leash? Cause last I checked I was willingly walking next to you. I'm sort of left with the option of trusting and taking my chances with you or taking off on my own in an area not known for it's hospitality. I'm pretty certain you're my best bet. As scary as that might end up being." She gave him a half smile. "eh.. I'm not always good with the flattery."

He turned to catch the small smile. "I dunno. Could look really cute on you. You might fit in better where we're going," he said, nodding to the blue glow and the slowly building sound of voices inside the small place. It was brick. Real brick and looked like it had weathered its share of the 'hospitality' of the neighborhood. Layer upon layer of paint had been graffitied and removed leaving a large scar on the side wall and that was its most pleasant side.

"As long as it's not going to clash with my outfit." She chuckled, eyeing the building they were approaching. "You carry one with you, just in case?" She half wondered if he did, her eyes roved over him, taking in more detail this time.

He chuckled and held out his bag. "Anything you see that you like, try it on," he mused. Inside the pack was his chain, a few small tools and an assortment of straps and buckles he'd use to keep up with the 'joneses' when he found folks at home and needed to keep them from interrupting his work. "One size fits most."

The face she made was probably worth his night's work as she stared into the bag in shock -he didn't have one, he had several! She laughed softly a moment later and looked up to his face. "You pick."

"The black one," he smiled, stopping to lean against a burnt out street light while she dug through. They were all black. It didn't matter, really. "It's just for show anyway... right?" He bent down to pull something else from his boot, looking like a box of cigarettes... contraband, but fresh and sweet. He pulled one out and lit up, the flame brightening his eyes more.

She pulled free the simplest one she could find. Black leather with a few small embellishments, she held it in her hand a moment turning it over and running her fingers over the leather. She watched him light the cigarette and her eyebrow arched, realizing he was more than he seemed -one had to have some kind of connection to get those. "it's your show.. you tell me."

He offered her the rest of the cigarette, savoring the smoke he had a long moment before letting it drift up and away to the night where he blew it away from them. "Perfect," he nodded. "Not enough time to get a piercing to go with it, but I know a place if you're ever interested. Put that on and we'll go. You like rides? You're in for a helluva."

She took his offer, but only had a good drag or two off the cig before handing it back to him so that she could put the collar around her neck. His mention of a piercing had her chuckling in a way that was amused. "is this on right?" She asked softly before they went farther, motioning to the collar.

[Lovely]

"There is no right, only on and close to me. It may be a little much to ask, but.. what you said back there. Think you could make good on it? Show a little appreciation if you really like what you see... your life might depend on it for the next ten minutes until we get our ride."

"Okay, so it's on.. and.." She stepped closer to him, slowly reaching out to curl around his arm. "I'm close.. I could get closer.. You might need to be a little specific on the.. appreciation." Her eyes moved over his face as she sought a sign or some indication of what she'd need to do to play along.

"Pretend you reaaaally like me when we're in there and I promise it will go a lot smoother than if you don't. I'll try not to like it too much," he winked. His eyes seemed to light up on their own again as he reached out for thoughts of hers, the random memories his words might pull up of boys she liked and ones she didn't. The boost from the smokes helped him hone in fast on the flashes in her outer conscious mind to act for her in return in some way to make it convincing.

Vara didn't date alot but when she did she liked her dates to be appreciative of her without treating her like a wh*re, she liked to feel desired without being sleazy. She liked her men smart, edgey, tough, but still sweet to her.. somewhat a tall order for anyone to fill which is why many times she didn't bother. "Reaaally like you.. alright.. I think I can fake that." She winked at him, making a face at him as she undid her jacket to allow them to 'cuddle' more closely as a couple might instead of being seperated.

"Knock yourself out," he mumbled, catching his lip in his teeth as he watched her start a show of her own. He was sorry he hadn't been at whatever party she'd left to run into him. "Feel free to call me honey now if you want... anytime." He offered his arm to slither into.

Undoing the last button, the coat revealed more skin -midriff and bust, she was short and shapely and her outfit accentuated her assets. Vara licked her lips, her dark eyes sparkling. "Honey is just what I use for people in general. If I reeaally like you... I'll call you baby." She leaned in and breathed the last word over his neck as she slinked into his arm.

"Promise you'll just call me," he said, not really realizing he had. He looked up to her eyes and decided to plant that thought there, a memory given instead of taken away. She'd know how to reach him by just dialing a cam card, his name, his op sign, everything she'd need to reach him if she wanted without thinking about it, but she still had no idea who he really was. Not many did. "They call me Raser here. Pan is just a joke. I'll tell you about that some other time."

The laugh was soft as was her breath against his neck when she curled back to him. "Raser.. ok, got it." Her fingers shifted and played over his arm and shoulder, her other hand resting lightly against his chest. "Think we're ready or do we need more practice?" She was teasing him a little, finding herself quickly getting used to and comfortable up close with him like this.

"Maybe just a little practice. Let you know what to expect if I need to... you know... suddenly do this," he said, slowly curling face her and lean down to kiss her.

The kiss was a surprise but he eased in slowly and she tilted up to meet his lips. Her hand shifted and her fingers lightly framed one side of his jaw as she kissed him back, slowly gently, exploring a little. She didn't pull away, not because it was practice but because it was tender and felt really nice.

If she had been afraid of him, he hoped she wasn't now. Her touch tickled lightly, power, something. He was tuned in easily sometimes and this was one of those times. He couldn't tell what, but it tasted sweet and dark in her kiss. If it wasn't power, it was truth that she wasn't kidding him with her comments. He smiled. "Might have to practice a lot more than that. Not sure that was convincing enough," he chuckled.

She giggled herself, her chest rising and falling against his with the laugh. "Maybe." She agreed with a sparkle in her eyes, she tilted up to catch his mouth with hers, intending to practice again. Her eyes closed, savoring the feel and taste. Her gift naturally triggering and giving them a slight tingle.

The tickle was more noticeable now, lighting up the kiss he could enjoy for hours. He chuckled again, being greedy for this attention and seeking more. "Just like that and I think we'll be fine. Come on or I'll change my mind about getting you home safe."

Vara curled to his side as the turned to walk into the place. He was tempting but she needed to get home - there were things there that she'd need soon. She followed his lead with things, staying close though she was observing what was going on around them.

[Lovely]

He sucked down the rest of the lit cigarette in a couple long drags before they reached the door, arm in arm and comfortable by the time he reached to open it. The small butt remaining was ground out against a brick and held carefully in his palm. Littering carried nearly as high a fine as the smoking did, but from the looks of the bobbing and slinking shadows beyond the door, there wasn't much concern for either one here. A rough cut haze hung jaggedly from the ceiling, melting in front of ineffective fans that seemed only to move the smell around, but not keep the place cooler. Dark, heavy music pounded beneath the floor and a few drinks still spilled across the bar although last call would have been over a few hours. It was the private party now. He leaned down to give her any hope of hearing him and feeling the gently affectionate nibble at her ear. "Nothing to fear but fear itself," he muttered, hoping she would understand in a minute.

Her eyes closed briefly at the voice and breath on her ear, the nibble sent a pleasant chill over her. Her fingers curled where her hand rested, her arm around him -he wasn't making it hard to 'pretend' that she really liked him. Vara gave a small nod, her eyes drifting out very briefly to take in their surroundings. The music was felt from the floor and carried up through her, she wondered if this was a place he came regularly -he seemed familiar with it.

He stepped forward, keeping her close. The crowd seemed to shy away from them easily, his eyes flaring gently in warning to let them pass. Rase headed toward the bar, looking for someone in particular. "Joe... Joey?! Get yerass out here." He looked around and behind them, not seeing the man right away.

Any conversation that began with that were (usually) either old friends or trouble. Vara wasn't sure which would be better in this case and just stayed close to Raser. She kept her gaze lowered as not to irritate those around her who might not be comfortable with a stranger observing them, but she was still well aware of people's movements.

Someone came out from the crowd, hopping over the bar to stand in front of them. He looked barely old enough to be in a place like this on one side of his face, but the scars on the other, and the implants, prized silvered lenses staring blankly from the heavily art-styled profile, indicated he was probably much older, or just very lucky so far. He seemed to be peeled off the very walls of the place and pulling them deeper in. "You're late, Rase. Whaddya get me for Christmas? I've been reaaaally good this year." He smiled luridly, metal capped canines shining sharply as he looked over Vara. "Ohhh.. you really shouldn't have."

"Not for you, Joe." He looked at Vara, trying to remind her not to be afraid. "She's with me. It's her birthday... sweet sixteen," he teased.

Joe stood back and looked at them both, disappointed, but curious. He gave Rase a more curious glance. "You buyin'?"

Her head tilted as her gaze swept over Joe -her artist's eye was very interested by the way he looked. She felt a spark of inspiration as he smiled, though she shifted slightly closer to Raser, her fingers playing over his chest lightly. She even giggled very softly to his teasing, her eyes lighting up as she turned to look at him, curling into his shoulder a bit more.

"Told you, she's with me." His arm curled tighter around her as she snuggled closer. "Are we clear? Oh, and Santa's gonna be a little late. One of his elves was very naughty." He giggled, himself, giving Vara a wink.

Joe looked more disappointed still and watched Vara more closely. The smile spread slowly and his gaze flicked back to the shaved man. "Happy Birthday!" He nodded, slapping the countertop. He pointed a black painted finger in Rase's face. "Wait here, don't move, and if you let her go, it's my Birthday tonight." He bounced away the way he'd come, over the counter and into the crowd.

If this was just an act, why did she like it so much when Raser's arm curled tighter, his laugh and wink making her give a genuine smile in return. The interaction between the two men brought questions to mind of what it was all about, but she left them unasked -at least for now. All but one, that is. "You're not going to let me go.. right?" Her lips twitched a little and she looked over his face. For all she really knew -he was luring her in so he could sell her off or trade her for something he really wanted. At least she had a trick or two of her own that would help her if that was the case.

[Lovely]

Two glasses appeared on the counter, set down by a blur of hands almost too fast to see. The shimmer of someone scuttling back and forth fogged the view of the bottles along the wall, but it was clear the drinks were set down for them. "You're going to want that," he muttered, close again to Vara's ear, taking the moment to enjoy that closeness and nibble again, lingering to let her enjoy it too.

She leaned into the nibble a little this time, curling to return it with a tiny nip to his neck. "Why is that?" She asked softly, the tip of her tongue teasing over the small pinch she'd just inflicted on his neck.

"Slot shuttles pack a hard punch. Better if you're relaxed first," he whispered over her skin, enjoying the tickling tingle as it passed over his lips and tongue more sweetly than the drink on the counter. The ride he'd spoken of was a risky venture on a good day. Slot shuttles, magnetically propelled and braked tube buses had replaced the old railed subways. They were put out of commission and lost to obscurity as quickly as they'd been put in use, buried beneath red tape and political shuffling about accidents, and still buried beneath the city's feet, used now by runners and others who wanted to bypass checkpoints. Connections meant more than they once did.. and Rase had just secured theirs.

She lifted her head from the teasing and stared at him a moment -he was serious. Her eyebrow arched slightly and she bit her lip, stifling a nervous chuckle. "ah.. well then.. I better not." She gently shifted her glass closer to him -if he wanted it. Her arm dropped from his shoulders though her leg curled around his -keeping them comfortably tangled. She reached into an inner pocket of her jacket and pulled out a small bottle -it looked like the ones tattoo suppliers had used for thier ink -before most of the shops went with the rest of the city. "How soon?" She swirled the dark liquid in the bottle a little as she eyed him.

Concern flashed briefly through his expression as she refused the drink and reached to her jacket again. Sudden moves were gauged carefully, his hand at the ready, but the flask wasn't what he was expecting her to produce, especially one that looked like ink. His hand dropped to the leg she'd rustled against his. If she was still acting.. she was doing a damned good job. "Long as it takes for them to deal with sectors 9 and 14 to leave us a hole to break through. About a half hour, fifteen minutes if the boys are bored. What did you have in mind?"

She bit her lip and giggled softly, her leg curled higher, shifting under his hand and she shrugged. "Just trying to gauge when to drink this.. my reaction to it... let's just say I could be very very relaxed after.." Her smile seemed a little shy, like the sweet girl who was just aching to be naughty. She pulled the top from the bottle and let a few drops of the thick dark blue ink pool on her fingers, indigo was her favorite 'flavor'. Her hand lifted to her mouth and a bit of the ink smeared her lips as she licked the rest from her fingers. Her eyes fluttering as she enjoyed the small taste.

The blue-black stained her lips a little, enhancing the pout as it darkened. He'd never seen anyone drink the stuff before, but everyone had a poison of preference. The flutter of her enjoyment of the liquid made him want to taste her more, the tingle, touched with that had to be sweet. His fingers curled around her leg, holding her where she was as he sought another kiss. "I can't say I'm relaxed right now," he smirked... nor that he was just acting this part.

Her head tipped so her gaze met his, her eyes flaring softly with the color and effect of the ink. Her lips curled a little, her tongue pulling the rest of the ink from her lips, though a stain was left from it, her free hand curled up around the back of his neck. This bottle happened to be one of her 'best vintages' so it took only a little to get her revved up -which is why she had it with her, in case of emergency break glass. She chuckled at the thought as she arched up to meet his kiss with her own hungry mouth. The ink acted on many levels for her depending on how much she took. This was like an aphrodisiac for her, sending pleasant sensations through her, the right amounts and she had to be careful -another reason she didn't bother with men. Her girls helped her by keeping her in when she got all fired up with the stuff.

The blur behind the counter stopped, taking the form of a short girl with multi-colored hair. She appeared mannequin-like as she suddenly stood still and reached to grasp Rase's arm. She said nothing, but nodded mechanically for them both to slip back to a quiet booth that no one had discovered yet. She smiled as if she'd said something, but it wasn't audible to Vara.

Rase smiled and looked back to the corner. "Thanks. We can wait there just fine," he chuckled and groaned quietly at the same time to Vara, trying to behave. "She'll tell him where we are. Join me?"

[Lovely]

Vara smiled a little, her fingers playing over the back of his neck her chuckle was soft as she nodded slowly. "Somewhere a little less open?" She whispered, glancing around them at the others who gathered in this place. What a show they might get from her if she wasn't careful with her ink and with Raser so close, so warm, so handsome... She didn't have her girls with her now to stop her from just following the sensations and reactions.

"Everything's in the open here, just not many people care. I care," he said, stretching against her touch. "Never know who may try something just to prove a point out here, either. Let's go. We've still got some time before Joe comes back."

She nodded in understanding, she wasn't trying to cause that sort of trouble for him.. though to be honest she wouldn't mind a different sort of trouble which involved just the two of them. Her fingers curled tightly around the precious bottle and she stayed close to him, ready to follow him off to a less open spot. She liked him even more for caring about being out in the open and not wanting to have something start. There were so many people who were always trying to prove a point, spending more time doing that than anything else. It was tiresome and boring -all the time-. There were always times and places when stands needed to be made but when it was done over everything it lost meaning.

Rase led her without force, gently directing to the hard-to-see table that was partly obscured by a vending machine that once sold packs like the box in his boot. It now delved out healthy alternatives, if it were plugged in. It was lit only on the top to appear as it should for the daylight customers who abided the new laws but left it ignored. Even the machine had secrets, ones he knew as he reached behind the bench to bring it to life and punch a button. The pack that fell out held tablets, six neatly aligned on a pale pink card that looked hand-wrapped in cellophane. He kissed the wrapper and slid the card away in a zippered pocket before unplugging the machine again. He let Vara slide on in to the corner out of sight ahead of him.

She slid into the booth, across the bench and nestled into the corner -after checking it out a little to make sure there wasn't anything undesired lurking in the shadows. She turned to watch Rase come in after her and pulled her bottle open again, trying to carefully dose herself to be relaxed for their transportation -she knew what other effects the ink had on her -and she enjoyed those as well but could get carried away easily.

He looked up to see her with her dropper on her tongue again and smiled as he slid in beside her. He didn't know if she saw the 'purchase' he acquired or if she'd know or care what it was. "What's it taste like? To you. I can tell you what you taste like after you do that," he said, nuzzling over closer again.

She lapped the last drop from the dropper and set it back to the bottle for now, her tongue moved in her mouth playing with the flavor as she looked at Rase. She giggled and gave him a sort of shy smile as she shrugged. "Mmmm.. candy I guess.. to me anyway.. it's not easy to describe. This one is my favorite.." She tapped the bottle with the dark blue ink. "..makes me all tingley and happy.." Her eyes flared with blue and sparkles and her mood seemed more playful than before. She shrugged her jacket down a bit so it was off her shoulders, but still on.

"That's what you taste like to me," he grinned. Even in the dark corners his eyes shone pale green, lit from within. A card like the one he'd slipped away was pulled from a different pocket with a single tablet remaining. "This one's my favorite... everyone has their own poison," he whispered, voicing his opinion this time as he unwrapped it and dropped it in his drink, watching it foam into nothingness at the bottom. "Totally herbal," he chuckled, raising an eyebrow and his glass to suck it down. "Makes me tingly and happy... sometimes for days."

She giggled at his comment about poison and eyed him for a long moment after, her teeth catching her lower lip as she considered her effects. "Whatever keeps you going.... but um.. speaking of poisons.. that reminds me.. don't bite me.. well at least not hard.. K?"

"I only bite hard when asked to," he reassured, although nibbling gently was still on his mind. After the drug worked its way down, his eyes brightened more but seemed more sharply dug into his cheeks. "What happens if I change my mind? I'm a nice guy, but you don't know me and I don't know you... as much as I intend to find out."

[Lovely]

Her eyes were bright as she leaned against the bench watching him with a slight amused grin. "I wouldn't advise playing that game.. " A memory flickered of what happened to the last person who thought she was some tart to grab and sell off to the highest bidder -it was a very unpleasant mistake. "Lets just say I'd leave a bad taste in your mouth if you do.." One you'd likely die choking on.

He chuckled but not at what she said..at what he saw. The girl had more than a few surprises hidden away. "Don't worry... I don't play the shell and sell game... honey. If I don't want your company for myself, I don't waste my time... or yours. Hopefully you're not bored." He wasn't going to explain the coincidence of his comment to her thoughts. She was a smart girl and he expected she'd figure it out soon enough. "Besides, I really like the taste... of you.. and that... on me."

"It's good that you don't.. it's becoming quite the business it seems." She commented but didn't hold onto that thought for too long, not wanting to ruin the mood with discussion of the deteriorating state of the city. One of her room mates was still healing from that encounter with the group of thugs who had tried to grab them.. thankfully all three girls were gifted and skilled. She turned her attention back to the man next to her -he was dark and gorgeous and she decided that she was very glad he wasn't one of those kinds of men. Vara didn't exactly live her life following all the lines and rules -but she hadn't sunk so low as to be a rat or snatcher. She ran her finger down the line of Rase's jaw and smiled softly. "Do I get a taste of you now.. ?"

He considered that a moment then his finger drew along the bottom of his glass to gather the drop or two on the bottom and the bit of concentrated drug that accumulated there. He offered her the taste of that alone first. It was obviously a stimulant, but he hadn't said just how strong it was. It's affect on his gifts was more than apparent. "Tell your friend I'm sorry. If I ever see the guy, I'll do my best to send him her love," he snipped, upset that anyone had gone out of their way to hurt anyone, though his own passtimes might shed a hypocritical light on himself.

She reached to take the taste he offered her, cautious about doing so, things reacted in her system differently than others. His words registered as she sat back against the bench again, rolling her tongue with the taste on it -she liked her ink better. "What?" She asked softly, she hadn't said anything... Her eyes narrowed a little and she licked her lips, watching him carefully. "How.." She trailed off again and chuckled quietly. "I suppose I'll have to be careful what I'm thinking about, around you." Vara sighed and brought her gaze up to his eyes, how they were lit up sort of amazed her. "I'm sure she'll appreciate that. Are you sure you shouldn't be called Hood instead of Pan?"

"I'm sure. It's short for Panic... and I don't rob from the rich to give back to everyone. I'm not a communist.. my family left that life decades ago. I'm my own charity... but I'm still a nice guy," he explained, bouncing off the topic to reassure her again. "Don't worry about what you think around me. It's random usually... unless I have a little help." He raised his glass again.. the drug was just that sort of help. "Raser for mind eraser, though, since I like you, I'll tell you you have nothing to fear... but fear itself. Not me."

"Oh I'm reassured." She chuckled again, eyeing him and shaking her head a little. "So you're not going to show me a good time tonight and make me forget you by morning?" The way she said it with the hint of a tease and tugged his sleeve was almost inviting.

"I'll let you know after I show you the good time, first. When's the last time you were on a slot shuttle with someone you just met?" He teased back, not necessarily talking about their ride.

"Hmm never.. this is my first time.. are you excited?" She teased him back, reaching over to run her fingertip over his jaw. Just a taste.. she licked her lips and smiled.

Even her fingertips tingled on his skin and he chuckled, reaching up to scratch at the tickle. "You tell me," he grinned, his eyes seeming to pulse a little with that excitement. His hand shifted away to bring her closer for the rest of the taste she wanted, to taste how the tingle felt.

[Lovely]

"I think you're a very naughty boy and a good girl like me should be careful.." She whispered, just before her lips brushed against his. She shifted forward, nearly in his lap as she reached for a deeper taste. He was delicious, better than her candy and she wanted more. She knew part of it was her ink and part his drug, and a lot of him making her all tingley.

He nodded, finding a better way to tell her he agreed by lingering this time, aware, unafraid of onlookers. Joe mattered and he already said the girl was with him, but anyone else that might want to break in on their good time would regret it severely. He intended to be naughtier, but they were short on time until their ride came. "How do you like the taste of danger? The shuttle has to take a few unexpected turns... could be half an hour all to ourselves."

Her arms wrapped around him and she settled into his lap, stradling him in the booth they shared, she kissed him once more and then pulled back with a playful smile. "I like what it tastes like so far.." Her hand smoothed down over his chest a bit and her eyes were heavy with desire.

"Don't let me stop you. I'm keeping you safe, remember?" He looked back behind them briefly for a glimpse of Joe or the silent girl that had given them the tip. Nothing yet, which was something. The boys must have been busy enjoying himself, so he'd enjoy himself. The ride wasn't leaving without a paying customer. His eyes cooled watching hers draw him in.

"Right.. just not safe from you.." She laughed lightly, not bothered by that idea. Vara nuzzled in closer, kissing his neck and nibbling his ear. "Who is keeping you safe?"

"From you? Daaawwwg, better not be anybody, baby," he chuckled, getting chills from her attention that soared along the heightened senses the drug had already sent aloft. He reached behind her to steady her in his lap. "How about I just talk about keeping, period, safe and everything else?"

His choice of words earned him a slow pass of her delightful tongue over his neck. "Sweet talker.." She teased softly, trailing tiny kisses along his jaw. "Keeping.. I think I like that.. keep talking." She was comfortable right there in his lap and for a few moments thoughts of getting home faded, replaced with him and how good this felt.

"Not interested in talking for a few minutes if that's okay? And 'sweet' is something I've never been," he smiled, charmingly, darkly and sweetly in a way that threw that theory far away from their hiding spot. The jumbled memory of 'home' that skittered into the fog in her consciousness made him smile wider. "Home.. is only where you feel comfortable... like this," he murmured, shifting slightly.

"Bet you'd be sweet to me if I kept you." She murmured warmly over his lips, letting that thought linger with the kiss that followed. She curled and shifted with his movement, brushing her fingers tenderly over his cheek. It wasn't the walls that made home -it was the two girls who were all the family any of them had had for the past few years. She nodded to his words though, he was right.

"Who's keeping who?" His head tilted and his eyes shone brighter a moment with the kiss.

"Nobody's keeping anybody but me waiting and a not-so-nice guy holding your ride, Rase. Sector 9 was a b*tch and a half tonight. They must be looking for somebody out there. You steal her off a loader or buy her fresh off the truck yourself?" Joe was back and in a mean mood as if he wasn't to start with, looking impatient and bent up like he'd been kicked at least once.

[Lovely]

Her eyes lifted at the sound of the other voice and there was an instant of distrust, where she faltered within on whether she could depend on any of them to get her home safely. The mention of stealing or buying her had her eyes darkening with an anger that otherwise went undisplayed. She wasn't going to voice her doubts as it wouldn't do any good if they were justified.

She'd feel his hand leave her side as it swung out, grabbing his 'friend' in the most uncomfortable of places, pulling hard and giving an erstwhile twist. "Accuse me of that ever again and I'm going to enjoy roasting these over my next campfire and sharing a bite with the new bartender. Clear?" He hissed and the vaporous venomous cloud of fear was directed entirely to Joe as he nearly folded in half around the pain. Rase let go and wiped his 'soiled' hand on the man's painted cheek, patting him and blowing him a kiss. "You go when I say and stay until I say. So glad we could have this little chat. Vara? Sorry about this, but I guess our ride is waiting." He tossed the crumpled man a sour grin and shifted to help her out of the booth.

The interaction was watched with a calm expression, though it didn't lay all her doubt and fear to rest. She had her share of things to hide and she knew that she was likely in over her head. These were not people to be triffled with, but she'd made her choice about what she'd done tonight... and there was no going back. Getting tangled up with Raser wasn't part of the plan, which otherwise had gone well, running into him and the patrol all at once had been an unexpected twist, though she found she didn't mind so much running across him. Vara hoped she wasn't going to regret trusting him. She scooted out of the booth behind him, reaching for his hand and wondering if he already knew her 'secret'.

Joe held onto the table, keeping out of Raser's reach, looking up at the man as if he'd already removed his choice 'appendage' from its socket. He had little to say from behind the fear - wholly terrified to move or speak or even breathe until Raser let him, just like he'd said.

Standing, waiting, Raser held his arm out for Vara to curl comfortably into if she wanted. For her, the touch was refuge and protection, but only for her. "Don't move... don't even breathe," he said quietly to Joe, repeating the man's earlier words as his eyes flared brightly, nearly like lightning-strike.

Joe seemed striken just as suddenly, trembling and gasping for breath, his mouth working on words that failed to come forth, airless and lost. The man's grip on the table was all the held him up only for the moment before he swooned, strangled by nothing but his own fear.

Rase watched him collapse, letting him bounce harshly off the table's edge and again off the floor as he fell. The shine in his eyes dimmed and the man took a pained breath from the floor, clawing incoherently for air or substance or anything that meant his continued miserable life. "Thanks for the ride Joe... merry christmas."

With the display continuing Vara curled into the protection of Raser's arm and shifted up close. She watched Joe crumble and gasp, with her head resting lightly against Rase's chest and shoulder, her arms around his waist. She swallowed and lifted her head to murmur quietly. "..and you're sure I don't need to be afraid of you?"

"Don't screw me over and you won't ever need to be afraid," he snipped, though not meaning to sound harsh to her. It was taking a moment for his anger to shift aside as he let go of Joe's psyche completely. He took a deep breath himself and looked down to her where she curled against him, his eyes shining like they were before, at rest and peaceful, absorbingly warm. "I'm sure," he added, offering another kiss to calm her before turning to head out to the back stairs down to the lower level where their 'car' waited.

She took the kiss but as he turned she started to pull away from him, it wasn't just what he'd said but how he said it. Sure he'd been warm a moment later but she felt he was sincere in the sentiment of getting screwed over. "Rase.. maybe.. We should go our seperate ways right now.. maybe some other time.. you know?" She watched him as she slid her bottle safely away and tried not to think about what else she had hidden in the liner of her jacket or how much her room mates needed it. They had stood up for and with her and gotten torn up because of it. She was lucky in how she was able to heal, medical supplies were not easy to come by. She'd only taken what they needed but still it was serious enough that he might think she was screwing him over by not telling and what if someone had seen her? What if the patrol was out looking for her? She knew it wasn't likely that they could ID her but until she was home that tremor of fear would remain.

[Lovely]

"I made a promise to get you home safe. Like he said, sector 9's hot. You're not making it past that patrol on your own. Your business if you want to try, but I'm hoping you won't." He stood, waiting, softened in expression and non-threatening, but he'd only wait so long.

She sighed softly, watching him and wanting to be curled back into his arm, but she also didn't want him pissed at her for things she hadn't told him. It's not like she could tell him when they bumped into each other. -Oh hey, come here often? I'm a Leo, I like cuddling and candle lit dinners.. yeah I stole some medical supplies earlier tonight, and you?- She closed her eyes for a moment and then slowly nodded. He was right again -she'd need help getting past patrol if it came to it and he did have a way with people. "Alright." She stepped back towards him, twisting her hands together a little.

From a few feet away, the memory he glimpsed wasn't as clear with the fog of a hundred other people clouding up what he saw and tried to focus on. He wasn't like a typical telepath that could latch onto words and specific trains of thought and some part was like being an empath drawing off the emotional imagery as well as the physical. His was more the imagery itself, literal, figurative, like watching someone else's dream. Sometimes there was no sense to be made, and sometimes there was too much, blaringly direct and sharp. He smiled, comfortable in not knowing. The emotional imagery alone was so similar to daily thoughts, it was like pulling on a favorite shirt only she was softer and smelled enticingly sweeter. His hand reached out for hers. "I'll make it up to you somehow. You weren't counting on the show tonight... that show anyway... and neither was I. He's just sore that I got sidetracked. We'll iron it out later." He shrugged, back to giggling as if it had only been a punch on the arm between brothers.

He was not like anyone she'd ever met, but that was something she liked about him. His laughter brought a smile to her lips, even if it was only a small one. Vara nodded and reached to let her hand slip into his, there was something comforting about having him near, and it really had nothing to do with the current circumstance and everything to do with him. If not for the pleasant effect of the ink she'd likely be very sore and -she wanted to get home before it wore off or she ran out. This bottle was the last of what she had and she didn't know when she'd be able to get more. "You don't have to make it up.. really. I've had worse days, believe me." She stepped closer, looking shyly to those incredible green eyes of his.

"Not trying for worse, here," he snickered, watching her move. The glimpses were only shadows, familiar ones of angry fists and rapid breaths taken by runners, climbers, those looking to get out and away from where they were, and some not succeeding as planned. He wasn't sure if it was her or her friends or simply something seen by a bystander, but he'd pay attention for other clues. "But yes, I do believe you. Hopefully I can take your mind off all of that... half hour of starts and stops, maybe longer if the sector heats up more and we can't get through for a while."

"Don't take this wrong, but I hope we can get through." Her smile was weak, but semi sweet. "I just need to get home." Rave and Ni needed her to get home, one had a broken wrist and both had various other injuries. Some burns as the 'thugs' had tried to brand them right in the street before even getting them on the truck! A girl with a brand like that was going to have a lot of trouble anywhere she went. Vara wasn't as concerned with her own marks, she'd manage and could heal with the aid of inks and dyes -the other girls weren't that lucky. The pain was what got to her -it still hurt like hell while she did heal.

"I understand," he nodded, gently compassionate unlike a minute before. He curled his arm around her to keep her safely close to the back door. Being closer, he might get a stronger image to clarify what he'd thought he'd seen. "You tell me if you need anything else, okay? I mean that... anything at all."

She shook her head gently, lowering her gaze though she curled and rested against him. She couldn't reveal their business to him.. yet he was comforting and she felt that she could trust him. "Nothing.. unless you know a good healer and an artist with some ink to spare. There really isn't anything.. thank though for the thought."

The laugh might have been completely unexpected, almost as unexpected as him letting her know the strange truth. "One of each, actually two, brothers and good friends of mine. Go on and tell me more and I'll let you know what we can do for you."

Her face tilted up and her gaze was nearly disbelieving -he knew people who.. what had she done so good to deserve such a twist of luck? "Really?" She asked him softly, her fingers picked absently at the hem of his shirt as she stayed close in this embrace. "The ink would be for me.. it's not only for fun.. it nourishes and will help me heal. This bottle is all I have left and it's not really enough to fix.. everything. My girls.. room mates are in need of healing as well. That's really why I was out tonight. I was trying to get what I could to bring back for them." She swallowed and chewed her lip nervously, she'd just told him a lot -even if not the specific details, though those images flashed through her head as she spoke.

[Lovely]

"Make me a list. You worry about your girls and I'll worry about bringing back what you need," he promised, his eyes flaring again gently as he gave her more to call on in memory, names and a way to contact the brothers after tonight. "You'll know them this way, but let me get a hold of them first. Your turf, you decide where, when and how much you really need from them. They'll bend over for anyone that I trust."

She shook her head slightly. "Anything will help.. a lot of cuts, bruises, some burns, and a few broken bones.. I was able to get a few things, but not alot.. only what could be concealed without being bulky. Something for the pain, some ointments but I don't know.. I'm not a doctor.. I don't know if it's enough."

"I couldn't tell you, but my boys can. Let's get you home first." The back passage led down to the area where the music had been pounding loudly. It was only the music, meant to mask the wind and screech of the shuttles. Beyond the next door the air whipped coldly through the tunnels below, where the sun never warmed and heat was no longer piped.

Vara nodded, going with him through the back passage, the loud music made her cringe a little but as they went further she understood why it was so loud. It was cold and her coat only offered so much warmth over the party dress she was wearing. It had served its purpose well, making people notice what she wanted them to and distracting them from what she didn't want them to see. She shivered at the whip of colder air and looked around as they stepped through.

"Sorry, I didn't mention the cold. I can make that up to you too," he teased, or warned. The platform was a few yards away and a man about Joe's age stood watch for them, calling them over. Raser approached, trusting and willing.

She was still wary and cautious as they approached the man, but where Rase appeared to trust him and moved without hesitation, Vara went with him without pulling back. She stayed quiet and close, letting the two men exchange what words they might need to and hoped she wouldn't have to say anything for now. Her mind was busy with the ideas Rase had put there with his simply comment about the cold. Quite the array of ways he could make it up to her or warm her up came to mind and she very nearly blushed. She was thankful the cold could be blamed for any pink that showed in her face.

Hardly a word needed to be spoken. The man on guard was more wary of Rase than Rase was of him. The nose of the metalic eel hissed into place to let them board through 'gils' that slid open part-way, but enough to get inside. Where there had once been lights in the traincar, broken hulls remained of jagged plastic, the flourescent innards having been stolen for an array of misuses elsewhere. The tube was dark, illuminated only by the random lights that still lined the tunnel itself and the two of them, the only passengers to ride. They would strobe past, blurred and virtually unnoticed between the stops. Raser entered first and beckoned to her to join him. "A little over half an hour. They've made some progress and scattered the policers for now. Timing is everything," he winked.

She moved to slide between the split of the doors and reached for his hand in a natural gesture that surprised her a little. It would be good to get home, more comfortable clothes, knowing her girls were alright, her own bed.. she really didn't need much in life to keep her happy. A smile from Rase, the feel of him close to her.. were added to her list and her own smile brightened a little.

The tube for all it's damage seemed clean at least, even as the door closed and the air itself seemed to shrink away into shadow. The runners that used it must have given that little something back in return, or simply those that maintained it felt the price they could ask would be higher for the pleasure of the lacking stench. Their guard at the platform stepped a safe distance away and the tube began to shift forward as Rase guided her to a seat.

Her eyes moved around in curious observation of what she could see, she was almost child like as she let Rase guide her to a seat. She'd never been on one of these and it was interesting even in a rundown state. She smiled shyly to Rase as her gaze drifted back to him, a small giggle parting her lips. "Do you do this often?"

[Lovely]

The shrug itself was almost a guilty admission, but of what? "Define 'this'. Take the runner's line home? Steal away to a private place with a beautiful girl? Offer candy to strangers?" His comments teased quieter and closer as he relaxed and pulled her closer, the lights fading to hints of grey outside the tube as they sped a little faster.

She laughed softly, moving closer with a sparkle in her eyes, her hands against his chest. "Hmm I was asking about taking the shuttle.. but now I'm curious about the rest.."

Raser was curious about the rest as well, delving in gently to discover bits and pieces of her past and current life between discoveries of taste and touch. He encouraged her to take advantage of their private and dimly lit coach as much as he did, finding her journey hadn't been at all gentle to her so far, each of the sores and scratches making themselves known with the whispers. Luck was on their side, but only to get them through the heavy-fire districts and into her sector without delays. "The boys are good when they try hard for a pretty girl," he said sadly as the cars slowed. "We only have a few seconds to hop off when it stops. There's not a lot out here to buffer the sound and you can bet if they didn't get the policers cleared off, they'll be down in the tunnels in a heartbeat looking to catch themselves a runner. Sorry... did I forget to mention that part?" His eyes lit up a little more, seeming to feed on the danger and excitement that they could draw the fire she'd wanted to avoid.

She'd been pleasantly distracted during the trip, exploring him gently with kisses, whispers, and light fingers that grazed over his torso. She'd discovered, tasted, and felt enough to make her want more and for her eyes to give a very faint glow of their own. His energy tasted delicious and she licked her lips, lifting her head to gaze at him. His words took a moment to sink in and she started to pull away from him somewhat, the small tremble ran through her at the thought of the danger she'd been hoping to escape by taking this ride with him. He'd caught her off guard with his 'confession' and she pouted a little. She wasn't all hard core, tough girl, though she had that side to her and could hold her own in many situations and didn't like feeling weak or helpless. "Yeah.. you did. Anything else you failed to mention?" She chewed her lip gently and tilted her head to the side, regarding him quietly.

He thought about that a moment, but the confident smirk returned as the cars lurched more and came to a stop. "Not that comes to mind. Ready? You can really run in those, right?"

"As ready as I can be.. and yes I can run in these." She sort of smirked in return, reaching to lace into his hand and shifting to follow closely. She'd let him lead her out, not sure what they might encounter when the doors opened.

Like the older subways, there was a platform but no tracks to be wary of under the cars. A narrow space curled away below eye-level and instead of climbing out and away, Rase indicated he was about to jump down into the crevasse as the doors opened as far as they would. "Watch your step..."

Vara wasn't confident that there was going to be enough room for both of them in the small dark space, but of course with it being dark she couldn't be sure how much space there really was. There was also little choice in where to go and no time to waste thinking about it, so she followed Rase down.