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Topic Started: Feb 23 2009, 09:37 PM (2,173 Views)
Manfred Boelcke
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Self-Appointed Martyr

Manfred watched Ichiro as the other male studied him. Manfred knew he was taking in every aspect of his persona to try and read him. Manfred wasn't sure what Ichiro was looking for, most likely any kind of anger or fear at having the Order's secrets revealed, but as noted previously he wasn't an amateur in this little game. Whether it be at the business table or in a dark room with a piece of filth, he had had plenty of practice controlling his own emotions and impulses. He wasn't perfect, but he was a lot better than the average wizard, besides fear was the farthest thing in his mind. What he wanted to know was how. It would give him an idea as to how WITS worked and what he would be able to use as the head of this task force. He knew that WITS had resources, he just wanted to know what kind and to what extent. He knew it was more than he currently had at the moment, but that didn't mean much. The Ministry currently had a lot more crime fighting resources than he did.

"So modest. In either case, the Order took a risk and it paid off. Don't worry. It's no one within your group that supplied this information, so you can stop suspecting them. It's actually something we only discovered after the fact. You might find that WITS is rather good at collecting information,"

Modest, huh? Manfred wasn't sure if he saw it that way. What would he gain from bragging, hm? He knew that Ichiro wasn't here to make Manfred prove himself. The offer had already been made and all that was left was working out the details and getting to understand the other party. However, Ichiro was right. The risk had paid off and that was all that mattered. They had won and the world had gotten rid of one more lunatic. Manfred was both relieved and frustrated by Ichiro's answer. At least he didn't have to continue suspecting his own allies, but Ichiro didn't really reveal much either. He had assumed that WITS was good at gathering information. He just wanted to know how good and how did they get all that information. Still...if they had been able to find out what happened at the castle then their infomation gathering skills were rather impressive, even more so considering they were able to put it all together after the fact. He wasn't even sure if he would have been able to put it together if he had been on his own. Then again that was why WITS was respected and feared.

"Fair enough. That is not my intent,"

Manfred looked at Ichiro was some disbelief. It may have been sad he was so cynical at his young age, but he had had enough experience with organizations to be a bit doubtful of Ichiro's sincerity. Still there seemed to be no lie in the other man's eyes. In fact, he looked pretty damn truthful. That surprised Manfred slightly and yet he reminded himself that he was seeing what Ichiro wanted him to see. Only time would tell if Ichiro was really telling the truth, besides it didn't really matter. It was a risk worth taking if it meant making the world safer and he had confidence in his own abilities to hold his ground. It was a honor and a testament to his apparent skill to be offered at position in WITS, but he had to remember that it wasn't the ultimate goal. He could leaves WITS whenever he felt that it wasn't doing his job just as he could leave the Order. He had to remember he wasn't tied to anyone, just to justice. Still if Ichiro was being truthfully...that meant Ichiro really was investing in him because he saw something. So maybe all that had not been to simply stroke his ego. Still he supposed his other benefits made him valuable to WITS as well.

Ichiro was hard to read, especially since they seemed to be going after the same thing. It was always thrilling to find someone as dedicated at himself to the cause and that often clouded his judgment. Then again, maybe he was being too cautious. Ichiro had no reason to betray him and WITS was a legitimate organization. Their reputation wasn't built on bribes but on hard work and results. So maybe they really were of kindred spirits. Still it was better to be cautious than foolish. Well seeing as how they would be part of the same organization maybe they should start trusting each other a little more. He gave Ichiro a small grin and said, "At least we understand each other now. It's not my intention to appear ungrateful or untrusting, but I have had enough experience with organizations to be a little wary. I'm sure you understand."

"Completely correct As I said, Mr. Boelcke, you'll find that WITS is pretty good at gathering intel. It is my business to know such things. But yes, to answer your questions, I am aware of it all. All of us are. In fact, I suspect we know a bit more than you do about the situation. There are many groups, many organisations, out there, and they're all looking for a piece of the action and a slice of the profits. Some more dangerous than others...Perhaps a bigger question here is, how much do you know, Mr. Boelcke?"

Manfred surpressed a grin as Ichiro confirmed his thoughts. He didn't need Ichiro to tell him he was correct. He had heard enough and seen enough to know he was correct. Sure that sounded a little arrogant, but this was the one realm Manfred would allow himself to be a bit prideful. This was his field of expertise. It was why he was good at what he did and it was most likely what drew WITS to him in the first place. He ignored Ichiro's arrogance and strained to find the information he desperately seeked. Damn it he already knew all of that. What he wanted to know was what was Ichiro hiding? Then again it would be rather foolish to reveal all that in a place like this. Still it was rather frustrating, especially since Ichiro turned the question on him. What did he know? Not much, unfortunately. He knew that there were many groups that were invested with the dark and they ranged from places such as Afghanistan, Germany, and the North Americas, but these people were just the dealers. They were not the source of drugs. He also knew that the drugs were being produced and distributed by numerous potioneers but again he couldn't find who had asked for the batches. The records had either disappeared or the various companies didn't feel like talking to him. He had a vague suspicion as to who was in charge of this mess, but it was literally impossible getting data on this particular group as they were literally ghosts. The only reason he even knew they existed was because he had heard whisperings of this group in the darkest of places. Supposedly this particular group was involved in South America a couple of years ago, leaving a mess behind. Still that wasn't much to go on, now was it?

He frowned slightly and said, "That's rather unfair of you to ask, especially since you didn't exactly answer my question. Still...I've been able to trace the drugs to a few distributors, but I can't find the source or who's behind all of it. There are many groups that are involved but they're all getting it from one source and that source is proving rather hard to track. Whoever it is, is smart as they're having it produced by various potioneers and it seems every strain produced is differently with a particular ingredient no one else has access to-yet anyway. I haven't gotten my hands on the various products yet, but it's what I've heard from the underground."

"Those are acceptable terms. I'm very pleased to see that you understand."

Manfred was rather pleased with himself as Ichiro grinned. He was pretty sure the other male didn't do it often.
"Good," he said with a smile of his own, "Well, I'm not a fool and I'm not willing to be sidetracked. All that matters is that we purge the world of evil. It matters little to me how it's done or who I do it with."
It seemed they had gotten a good idea on how the other worked and the deal had all but been accepted. The only thing that seemed left to do now was to discuss the formation of this task force and to get it out on the streets as soon as possible.
"This has all been fun, but I believe it's time we discuss forming this task force. The sooner we get it out on the streets the better," he said watching Ichiro closely, "Now I want free reign over this group. I will report to you on our progress and take on any tasks you feel need my immediate attention, but that's it. I'll do things my way and I'll chose who's on the team and who's not. I already have a few people in mind, but I'll need your files on all of your agents, obviously the ones trained in this particular field would be preferred, but I'll take anyone you think I can use. Our base of operations will be in Germany as that is easiest for me and the darker wizards seem to hang out there so we won't be lacking in people to squeeze. I also need complete access to every little piece of information you have managed to amass over the years. Any leads I can find will be a blessing. Do you have any objections?"
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"At least we understand each other now. It's not my intention to appear ungrateful or untrusting, but I have had enough experience with organizations to be a little wary. I'm sure you understand."

"Indeed I do, Mr. Boelcke. So no harm, no foul," Ichiro said plainly, that natural air of shrewdness that always surrounded him momentarily making way for simple honesty. "In this line of work, caution is more than a virtue. It is a necessity. I would be disappointed in you otherwise."

WITS operated in a dark, dangerous world: what the common, law-abiding citizen saw (magical or not) was only the sugar-coated layer on top; there has always been another world that lay beneath it. The real world. At least from Ichiro's perspective. To survive in it, to fight the scum that filled it, the need to be wary, distrustful of everything and everyone and staying sharp throughout it all was often the difference between success or failure - for both sides of the law. Believing in the goodness of others was a great thing, Ichiro acknowledged it, but also naïve. It was something he, Manfred and everyone else that was serious about fighting crime couldn't afford. And along that same path, other sacrifices needed to be made, other dirty dealings that were necessary for the cause.

And yet at the same time, paradoxically enough, there was a central force, a raw core, at the heart of WITS (and Ichiro's) ideals that could not, would not bend. An incorruptability. And that creed was simple: to do everything in their power to enforce the law, to uphold justice, to strike evil. It was this dedication, efficiency and the willingness to move into the grey areas of morality to succeed that made WITS rise above such organisations as the Order of the Phoenix. And that was why Ichiro was certain that Manfred would fit right in - because he understood what was necessary.

"That's rather unfair of you to ask, especially since you didn't exactly answer my question. Still...I've been able to trace the drugs to a few distributors, but I can't find the source or who's behind all of it. There are many groups that are involved but they're all getting it from one source and that source is proving rather hard to track. Whoever it is, is smart as they're having it produced by various potioneers and it seems every strain produced is differently with a particular ingredient no one else has access to-yet anyway. I haven't gotten my hands on the various products yet, but it's what I've heard from the underground."

Ichiro didn't let it show, but he was a little impressed. The reason he hadn't revealed much was because he'd been interested to see how far Manfred had come on his own. To think he had discovered that much, virtually by himself... Well, of course, he had some resources of his own (that was one of the reasons WITS was interested in him) and Ichiro was also aware that he had some interesting friends as allies, but still.

"You are quite correct. The drugs themselves are coming from one source, from South-America to be exact, and distributed to all the others," he confirmed some of Manfred's findings. "And I can safely say that your information on the drugs themselves is accurate aswell, judging from the different samples we have obtained and investigated. What worries us most is that this group, already quite dangerous on it's own, may well be involved with a more powerful one. One that could aid them greatly in refinement and distribution, not just in America but across the world."

Ichiro and his colleagues weren't sure yet, but there were signs... Disturbing signs. What worried Ichiro most was something that had happened a few months ago: a deal between a group of small-fry and the Syndicate. The Syndicate had been interested in their drugs and tried to buy them - the very same drugs that Ichiro and Manfred were discussing right now. But Aurors from the Americant Government of Magic had been tipped off about the deal that was to take place and intercepted it. The criminals from both groups had been apprehended, along with the drugs themselves - only for the drugs to vanish straight out of the Auror Office itself. An Auror was then suspected of being responsible. The Auror in question (Zaccone, Ichiro thought his name was) immediately went on the run with his daughter.

Ichiro didn't like it. Partly out of instinct, partly out of his many years of experience, he felt something was off. Whether Zaccone was really responsible he couldn't say, but Ichiro felt a detail was amiss. The convenient timing of the leak concerning the deal was making Ichiro think someone was trying to prevent the Syndicate from obtaining the drugs and joining in on the latest craze, keeping them at a disadvantage, using the American Auror Office to do the job for them. And the one group that would be most determined to keep the Syndicate at bay was the one he just mentioned to Manfred.

After a slight pause, Ichiro added:

"Tell me, Mr. Boelcke, have you heard of a man calling himself Dio?"

"Good. Well, I'm not a fool and I'm not willing to be sidetracked. All that matters is that we purge the world of evil. It matters little to me how it's done or who I do it with."

"Well-said. We are of like minds," Ichiro said, continuing to grin. He wouldn't admit it, but, like Manfred, he was pleased to discover a kindred spirit. The young man had virtually summed up his entire philosophy. For most of his life, that was what Ichiro Fujita had dedicated himself to. It didn't matter what group or organisation he belonged to, he would continue to fight evil. Like Manfred, he was not afraid of cutting ties with others if he felt they only slowed him down.

"This has all been fun, but I believe it's time we discuss forming this task force. The sooner we get it out on the streets the better. Now I want free reign over this group. I will report to you on our progress and take on any tasks you feel need my immediate attention, but that's it. I'll do things my way and I'll chose who's on the team and who's not. I already have a few people in mind, but I'll need your files on all of your agents, obviously the ones trained in this particular field would be preferred, but I'll take anyone you think I can use. Our base of operations will be in Germany as that is easiest for me and the darker wizards seem to hang out there so we won't be lacking in people to squeeze. I also need complete access to every little piece of information you have managed to amass over the years. Any leads I can find will be a blessing. Do you have any objections?"

"Well, well... Aren't you demanding? Want any fries with that?" Ichiro retorted sarcastically, before getting to business. In all seriousness, Manfred's little list was fine with him. It wasn't that he wanted to toss the new kid at a bone, but simply put, he was eager to get this show on the road aswell. Undoubtedly, the Board would complain about giving Manfred such free reign so quickly, but to hell with them.

"That sounds acceptable to me. Just be sure to report regularly to me. I have faith in you, but by agreeing to become an agent of WITS, you'll also have to play by our rules. Be sure to remember that," Ichiro stressed, a dark shadow passing within his eyes. He knew how hard the game was played within WITS. People that failed could be dropped like a brick. "Your appointment to head our new anti-drug force will be a little controversial and I'll be responsible for it. You understand?" He didn't say it in words, but the look he gave Manfred was clear: 'if you do anything stupid, you'll drag me down with you'.

"I should also warn you that the Board retains the right to appoint advisers to different departments. They'll have no power over you, they're purely in an advisory capacity, but it's wise not to turn them against you. You'll have free reign, but be careful about any gung-ho actions..." Ichiro leant back in his seat again and brushed a lone strand of his dark hair out of his face. "Anyway, I suppose you'll learn all about our organisational structure once you join it."
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Manfred Boelcke
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"Indeed I do, Mr. Boelcke. So no harm, no foul. In this line of work, caution is more than a virtue. It is a necessity. I would be disappointed in you otherwise."

Good. At least ichiro understood his intentions. He may have been young and not as experienced as Ichiro and everyone else in WITS, but he had seen a enough during his short life to understand the need for caution. It partly came from dealing with his own family, the blood-sucking leeches as he liked to call them. Running the family business was far from easy especially since they did their best to try and get rid of him. No one had been happy when he had been named heir and cited everything from his age to the type of drink he liked as reasons that he was unfit to run the family. It didn't help that he was on a crusade to clean up the family name and to 'disrupt' the shadier deals his family had with other 'businesses'. He had made very few friends out of his relatives and they never let him forget it. Whenever they came to him he knew he had to instantly be on his guard and to take everything they said with a grain of salt. They had now given up trying to sway him and were more than content to send him little 'packages'. People had no idea how many times he had to redo the living room because of those little 'gift's. However, this caution also came from his little side job, the hobby that got Ichiro's attention...

Manfred had to admit that in some ways he had been stupid and in some ways he had been ingenious and overly dedicated to the cause. He had gone undercover multiple times, had lived in the underground, had talked to the filth and vermin, and had managed to help with a few arrests. It was dangerous and there had been many close calls, but he wasn't dead yet so he was doing something right. Still his brief stint as a makeshift 'detective' had shown him the underworld and he was more than familiar with its dangers. It was amazing actually that something so ugly, vile, and deadly could live under the sugary world of everyday life. Of course it always poked its ugly head into people's lives, but somehow most people were able to ignore it. He didn't know how. He simply couldn't understand how people could turn a blind eye to all the horror of the world. It was a question that haunted him. It sometimes made him question what he was doing, but those doubts quickly faded. He didn't do this because of a few fools or because the world had proven itself worthy to be saved. He did this because he had to, because he was compelled to, because, despite everything, there were some things worth fighting for and preserving.

Of course that meant sacrifice and maybe that was why people chose to ignore the darkness of the world. They didn't want to face the fact that they'd have to lose their comforts or toys. If they acknowledged the darkness they would have to do something about it or they'd be worst than the filth that lived in the underworld. He sometimes wondered who was truly worst. The filth, the blind, or the people who saw but chose to ignore? But how could he judge them? What did he know? He had nothing to lose. He had no family member he actually loved, no real friends, and no lover. Aspen was just a distraction, a toy, nothing more...it was easy for him to sacrifice...easy for him to be the 'hero'. Hero...hm what did that even mean? Were WITS members heroes? Was Ichiro? Was the Order? He knew some of the Order members didn't like the title. They felt they didn't deserve it because they were simply doing their duty, but wasn't that what a hero did? Sure they were only doing their duty, but they were the only ones who answered the call. It was everyone's duty and yet the Order was the only one who sacrificed...but even they wouldn't sacrifice everything. Even they refused to dedicated themselves completely to the fight.

Manfred was well aware that everyone had a line that they wouldn't or couldn't cross. He also knew that that line was needed, that without it they would simply be as bad as the assholes they were hunting. Yet, Manfred also knew that if everyone played by the rules than nothing would get done. He knew of a few who crossed the line, who took that burden, who embraced that level of sacrifice, and it was because of them that the world hadn't completely fallen into darkness. It was the rare quality of total and complete dedication that allowed them to do this. Those few, those horrible, villainous, few had dedicated themselves a 110% to justice, no matter the cost. They gave up everything, their friends and loved ones, their morals, their soul, to see evil defeated. Were they heroes? Manfred didn't know. All he knew was that these people did what was necessary and they were efficient if maybe a bit evil. Nobody liked them or wanted them, but they were needed. Was Manfred willing to become one of those damned...yes. He was willing to at the very least. Could he actually do it though...he didn't know. But someone had to do it, someone had to sacrifice himself for the world.

"You are quite correct. The drugs themselves are coming from one source, from South-America to be exact, and distributed to all the others. And I can safely say that your information on the drugs themselves is accurate aswell, judging from the different samples we have obtained and investigated. What worries us most is that this group, already quite dangerous on it's own, may well be involved with a more powerful one. One that could aid them greatly in refinement and distribution, not just in America but across the world."

"Tell me, Mr. Boelcke, have you heard of a man calling himself Dio?"


Manfred listened closely as Ichiro confirmed his findings. Well at least he wasn't chasing a dead end or just another pawn. That had been Manfred's fear for the longest time especially since every lead before this group turned out to simply be pawns. This group had a long reach and it was surprising they weren't causing more noise. It almost seemed like they were willing to let the other groups grow in power and get all the attention as long as they got a cut from the profits and remained in the shadows. Of course this made it hard to track them down which Manfred supposed was the point. South America huh? Well that confirmed that little tip. Now if he could only get South America to cooperate...still it was rather hard with the types of government they had down there. Mostly drug lords and dark wizards, obviously not the most helpful of people. Still this group had to be found and stopped...somehow. Manfred's eyes lit up with hunger and excitement when Ichiro said they had managed to find a few samples. Good. Hopefully he'd be able to study them soon and find some new leads. He raised an eyebrow slightly when Ichiro mentioned another group-a more powerful group. Who else did this group do business with? It was starting to look like the entire world...Manfred's eye raised an eyebrow further when Ichiro mentioned a man named Dio. That name again? It had been whispered in a certain club just a few days ago but Manfred had not been able to find out much. Scum seemed to fear this man more than Xavier, maybe even more than Voldemort. Obviously Ichiro knew of them though and judging by the way Ichiro said his name, Dio was a serious threat.
"Only vague whispers," replied Manfred wishing he had more information to give, "I know he is the Xavier Moody of the Americas, but that's about it. The American government...has been less than cooperative with me and the scum around here don't even dare to say his name. What do you know about him?"

"Well, well... Aren't you demanding? Want any fries with that? That sounds acceptable to me. Just be sure to report regularly to me. I have faith in you, but by agreeing to become an agent of WITS, you'll also have to play by our rules. Be sure to remember that. Your appointment to head our new anti-drug force will be a little controversial and I'll be responsible for it. You understand?"

Manfred smirked slightly at the sarcasm. They wanted to actually stop this assholes didn't they? Well that was what he needed. He smiled when ichiro basically approved his demands. Good. At least he had Ichiro on his side should the higher ups complain about his arrogance or methods. He smirked as Ichiro basically warned him to not be a jackass. What was he, an idiot? He understood all too well what ichiro was risking by trusting him with such a responsibility. It was why he was so awed and honored by the offer. Besides he had some experience navigating the tricky political waters of a bureaucracy. It kind of came with being the owner of a multi-million dollar company and trying to use ones connections to bring down the underworld. Still he supposed Ichiro was right to warn him. Although he was an Order member and had to work with many business and countries, he was a loner by nature. He was also rather stubborn and would rather do his own thing and get results, even if it meant pissing people off. He would have to watch that tendency as he was sure that didn't work well in an organization like WITS. Still he was confident he could handle it. His smirk grew as Ichiro shot him a look that spoke volumes.
"Don't worry, I'm not some blundering idiot. I'll play by the rules and I understand. I won't do anything that could damage your reputation within the organization."

"I should also warn you that the Board retains the right to appoint advisers to different departments. They'll have no power over you, they're purely in an advisory capacity, but it's wise not to turn them against you. You'll have free reign, but be careful about any gung-ho actions...Anyway, I suppose you'll learn all about our organisational structure once you join it."

Manfred had to admit that although he was expecting it, it still troubled him that he was going to have a nanny on his ass. Still it would have been extremely surprising if they didn't send someone to keep an eye on him. Oh well he'd just have to be extra careful now. He didn't need that little rat to run off and tell of every little mistake he made. He knew that they would be looking for any reason to get take the anti-drug task force from him simply because of his age and because he was sure there had been many WITS members who had been hiding that position for a while now. No pressure though, right?
"Well as long as they don't get in the way, we should get along fine," he said already creating the structure of the task force in his head, "Don't worry about me. I've had some experience working within a organization and I'm sure it won't take me long to pick up how WITS works."
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"Only vague whispers. I know he is the Xavier Moody of the Americas, but that's about it. The American government...has been less than cooperative with me and the scum around here don't even dare to say his name. What do you know about him?"

"Let's just say that I know enough about him to know that the entire story is too long to tell here," Ichiro said, before taking a brief glance at the old watch around his wrist. As he thought, he was running out of time to spend with Manfred. However important Ichiro considered the young man to be to WITS, his meeting with him was, unfortunately, not the only thing that required Ichiro's attention. Still, there was no need for him to rush off just yet and Ichiro felt it would be unfair of him to raise such an important subject and then don't bother to tell Manfred anything.

"But I'll tell you this: Dio has been around for a while," he started to explain, lowering his own voice almost subconsciously, so menacing he considered what they were discussing. "After the First War that occurred here, in Britain, he gained considerable power in the underworld of America. Back then, he was already starting to expand his operations in the rest of the world. With the help of the American Government of Magic and the Syndicate, we managed to deal his organisation quite a blow - in the days that the Syndicate was still more than just another crime group," Ichiro added with a small sigh, though he was uncertain whether Manfred was familiar with the story. "Unfortunately, Dio himself got away. And in the many years that have passed since then, he has regained strength."

"He has his hands in everything now: drugs, robbery, theft, assassinations... He operates in both the Muggle and wizarding worlds. By bribes and threats, Dio can influence politics and major companies - again, in both worlds." That dark shadow in Ichiro's eyes made way for a smoldering flame, one that grew more intense the more he spoke of this man, his tone of voice speaking of his wish to take his head. "He's a Dark wizard of the worst sort: extremely cruel, powerful and smart. But there is no goal behind his actions, no political one, at least. Contrary to the likes of Voldemort and Varius, who wanted to rid the magical world of 'impure' blood, Dio doesn't care for such things. He has a sole desire: more power. And the ones that aid him will be rewarded. He'll take anyone he can use. He'll kill anyone that gets in his way. It's as simple as that."

"Out of the chaos caused by this Third War, Dio has profited the most. His many rivals, the Syndicate, Vitiosis, the Cabal in Asia and so many more, are all fighting him aswell. But over the past year since Voldemort's demise, he's looking to expand his operations. That's why it's going to get worse." Ichiro's eyes flared. "And that's why we'll do everything necessary to eliminate him and his group."

"Don't worry, I'm not some blundering idiot. I'll play by the rules and I understand. I won't do anything that could damage your reputation within the organization."

Ichiro met Manfred's smirk with one of his own.

"I'm glad to hear it." He said it quite casually, but he did have faith in Manfred. He wouldn't have approached him if he didn't think he could hadnle this job - and given Ichiro's nature of being hard to please, that was saying quite a lot. Of course, he was already expecting some backlash. As he had told Manfred, this was a controversial appointment. But at the same time, he wasn't like others in his group, afraid of taking the slightest dent; they would see that his decision to get Manfred to join them had been a wise one.

"Well as long as they don't get in the way, we should get along fine. Don't worry about me. I've had some experience working within a organization and I'm sure it won't take me long to pick up how WITS works."

"Oh, they can prove to be a little troublesome. But it's nothing I believe you aren't capable of dealing with," Ichiro remarked in regards to the matter of the advisors. Knowing WITS, he was sure the Board was going to send in someone that would watch Manfred like a hawk. Ichiro shifted in his seat.

"I'll have one of my colleagues send you a list of profiles of the agents I'm recommending for your task force. Now, unless you have any other questions, shall we wrap up this meeting?"
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Manfred Boelcke
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"Let's just say that I know enough about him to know that the entire story is too long to tell here,"

Of course that only perked Manfred's interest. It had annoyed him beyond belief that the American government had denied him access to any informaton on Dio, but this annoyance grew once Ichiro confirmed this man was dangerous and important. He was naturally a fact finder and he lived for knowledge. It was how he had started his crime fighting career. He had been doing research on his own family and discovered an entre new world hiding beneath the regular world of respectable society. It was also his fact finding talent that made him good at what he did. He had to admit that he was disappointed and frustration when Ichiro dismissed him and this frustration grew as Ichiro looked at his watch. Manfred understood they were both busy men and he knew he was a small concern compared to everything else Ichiro had to deal with, but he was hungry for info and he wanted it now. He was about to protest when Ichiro looked at him.

"But I'll tell you this: Dio has been around for a while. After the First War that occurred here, in Britain, he gained considerable power in the underworld of America. Back then, he was already starting to expand his operations in the rest of the world. With the help of the American Government of Magic and the Syndicate, we managed to deal his organisation quite a blow - in the days that the Syndicate was still more than just another crime group. Unfortunately, Dio himself got away. And in the many years that have passed since then, he has regained strength. He has his hands in everything now: drugs, robbery, theft, assassinations... He operates in both the Muggle and wizarding worlds. By bribes and threats, Dio can influence politics and major companies - again, in both worlds."

Manfred leant in as Ichiro lowered his voice to a bare whisper-a testiment to Dio's power. He raised an eyebrow as Ichiro explained that the Syndicate had once been more than a crime group. He had not known that at all. Maybe that was why the others were willing to believe Xavier and give him a chance to start over. His own organization had been great once. However, the question was who turned the Syndicate into the monstrosity. Xavier? It was definitely something worth looking into. All right so they hadn't been able to completely crush Dio-the story of just about every crime fighting organizaton out there. Now they had to pay the price for their failure. His eyes widened slightly when Ichiro mentoned that Dio had hands in both worlds. That was eerily similar to the shadow group he had been trying to track down. Well it would make sense if they were working together, especially since their methods were so similar. Still that would make hunting Dio down harder because the moment he felt the heat he could simply disappear into the muggle world-out of their jurisdiction and gone for who knows how long. Manfred couldn't prove it as of yet, but he was pretty sure that was what his shadow group did-making it almost impossible to track them and giving them their shadowlike reputation.

"He's a Dark wizard of the worst sort: extremely cruel, powerful and smart. But there is no goal behind his actions, no political one, at least. Contrary to the likes of Voldemort and Varius, who wanted to rid the magical world of 'impure' blood, Dio doesn't care for such things. He has a sole desire: more power. And the ones that aid him will be rewarded. He'll take anyone he can use. He'll kill anyone that gets in his way. It's as simple as that. Out of the chaos caused by this Third War, Dio has profited the most. His many rivals, the Syndicate, Vitiosis, the Cabal in Asia and so many more, are all fighting him aswell. But over the past year since Voldemort's demise, he's looking to expand his operations. That's why it's going to get worse. And that's why we'll do everything necessary to eliminate him and his group."

Manfred noticed the venom in Ichiro's voice and wondered why he hated Dio so much. Manfred had no love for the underworld, but he tried to keep his emotions out of the job. Ichiro seemed to be the same way so Manfred assumed it was unusual for Ichiro to betray any kind of emotion. While the lack of political goals made it harder, it also made it easier. A man who wanted nothng but poweer often destroyed themselves in search for that power. Those terms were to expected from a criminal mastermind. Hm...so there was a mini criminal war going on underneath all these deals, drugs, and assasinatons. Ichiro was right. The real war was just about to begin.
"Don't worry we will, " said Manfred, his eyes flashing, "We're going to hit these basterds so hard, not even Dio will know what hit him."
Dio was defintely dangerous and determined, but Manfred was as equally determined and was confindent that he could prove to be as dangerous, especially with WITS on his side. He would make these criminals regret the day they ever turned against the law. He would match their methods, their sacrifices, their bloodthirstiness, whatever they did he'd do. No matter how hard they hit him, he'd hit them ten times harder. He was going to shake the criminal underworld to its core.

"Oh, they can prove to be a little troublesome. But it's nothing I believe you aren't capable of dealing with, I'll have one of my colleagues send you a list of profiles of the agents I'm recommending for your task force. Now, unless you have any other questions, shall we wrap up this meeting?"

"Very good," said Manfred nodding his head.
He was personally looking forward to this list. It would be interesting to see what kind of men Ichiro thought would be good for the job and it would be interesting to see what kind of men he thought Manfred could handle.
"Yes, I'm sure we both have a lot of work to do. I must say it's been a pleasure and I look forward to working with you," he said extending his hand.
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As Manfred had undoubtedly noticed, Ichiro's words, his tone of voice and the look in his eyes all spoke of a fury towards Dio. It was subtle, as everything often was with this somewhat icy, aloof wizard, but it was definitely there, for the keen-eyed to detect. It might have seemed unprofessional to some. After all, Ichiro was a member of WITS: a legitimate warrior fighting for the upholding of the law.

There was no place for feelings in this battle. As Ichiro himself had often spoken to the younger men and women in this line of work under his guidance, there was only one difference between a servant of the law and a criminal: one bad judgment call. It was precisely this that separated WITS from the vigilante ways of the Syndicate of the past - it was a dangerous path, as evidenced by the later corruption of the Syndicate, which had turned it into the very sort of organisation it had been meant to fight.

But Ichiro was aware of his own fiery emotions coursing through him at the moment, just as how he knew that this 'anger' (for lack of a better word) was different. Ichiro carried no particular hatred for Dio or any other criminal; his wrath was only the result of his desire to deliver justice. More than any sort of rage, it was a restless energy; a fire that fueled him, feeding this driven, merciless machine. This was no desire for vengeance, but the righteous retribution of the law: Ichiro's fire the result of his yearning to finish Dio off, a man that had gotten away from justice too many times.

And, to be frank, Ichiro would really like to be the one to deliver it.

"Don't worry we will. We're going to hit these basterds so hard, not even Dio will know what hit him."

"That's the spirit, Mr. Boelcke. Let's hunt this scum down and put a stop to their ways," Ichiro said with a sort of finality, as if he was stating not a possibility, but an inevitable fact, like the laws of nature. He was pleased with Manfred's reaction, from the flashing of his eyes to the passion in his voice.

Perhaps their ardor would have been seen as a little strange to others, but Ichiro didn't quite care. It was necessary to be a little 'crazy' for this job. Or perhaps their 'craziness' wasn't crazy at all, but a greater devotion that many people weren't used to, content as they were with living out their lives as easily and comfortably as possible. Sad, but true. But as Ichiro, and Manfred, clearly understood, one wouldn't get very far with such half-hearted beliefs.

Not when fighting these monsters.

"Very good. Yes, I'm sure we both have a lot of work to do. I must say it's been a pleasure and I look forward to working with you."

Ichiro stood up aswell.

"Likewise, Mr. Boelcke," he said, taking Manfred's hand and shaking it just as firmly as at the moment they had met here. There was even a small smile playing around Ichiro's lips. He considered this little 'mission' a success. His intuition hadn't been off: Manfred definitely seemed like another capable addition in their battle against Dio and everyone else. Now it was time to see whether he could truly handle it.

"Now, if I may give you a piece of advice, I suggest you put all your hard work away and try and have a good night's sleep. Treasure it. Starting next morning, as a member of WITS, you might not have them anymore," Ichiro added with a smirk. He was only half-joking.

"A pleasant evening to you, Mr. Boelcke," he ended with a nod of the head, before he and Manfred soon went their separate ways. Ichiro later emerged from the Topsy-Turvy with those long, swift strides, his smile already vanished from his face, eyes for nothing but his next objective. He glanced at his watch again. There was never time to lose in this job.

And with those thoughts in mind, he headed out across the London streets, vanishing into the darkness...
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Nicole Parker
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Nicole walked into the busy and fancy restaurant wearing a a short black and white dress with a thin, red belt wrapped around her waist, and black high heels. She had her hair down simply because she was tired of having it up all day and she wore sparse amount make-up. Bailey told her she should have worn more, but she still wasn't used to 'prettying herself up'. Of course, that would have to change if Phae Carrigan pulled through for her, but she would worry about that later. Tonight was just about Bailey and Nicole. She gave her name to the waiter and was lead to a secluded table in the back. Perfect. The chair was pulled out her and she sat down. She smiled as the waiter walked away and took a sip of water from her glass. Nicole scanned the room, looking for Bailey, but it seemed that she hadn't arrived yet. Teran was probably keeping her late a work again. God, didn't that man have a life? Apparently not, but did he have to ruins everyone else's life as well? Nicole didn't understand him. With a woman like Sari, who wouldn't want to come home early? Then again, Sari was a model so she was probably out a lot. Nicole mentally shrugged and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. Well, she hoped he didn't keep Bailey much longer, otherwise this was going to turn into another leftover date-again.

Bailey and Nicole had both been very busy the pass couple of months. Between Bailey's potions career and Nicole's budding career as Destiny's PA and potential model herself, they barely had time enough for each other. They were kind of used to the distance because they had separated during Nicole's last year of Hogwarts, but it still sucked. Nicole hadn't had time for anyone actually. She had barely been able to visit her 'uncle' let alone see people like Becky and Dayla. It kind of depressed her, but what was she supposed to do? Tell Destiny she couldn't be at her opening concert because she missed her friends? Nicole had learned rather quickly that the only person needed than a singer was a two month old baby. Still, Nicole enjoyed it and it allowed her to semi-live out one of her fantasies-being a famous model/singer. Nicole knew it was a stupid dream, but so what? Sure, she wasn't a singer now, but she was making a lot of connections and a couple of people had already commented that she had the looks and charisma of a singer. Hell Phae had given her her card and offered to facilitate a meeting between her and one of her modeling friends. She had even done a shoot that was coming out next month. It was a small thing, nothing spentacular, but it was better than nothing and Nicole had loved it.

She had never been fawned over before or even appreciated. Before meeting Bailey, no one ever told her how beautiful she was or how special she was. Nicole had always been nebulous about her growing looks. She simply never considered her self pretty or even good looking. And now? Now people were snapping pictures of her and feeling her out on trying a modeling or singing career and she was really tempted. It was all she had ever wanted really and she knew Bailey would support her, no matter what she did. So why not? And it was at that moment that sinister small voice would speak and ruin everything. What about her family? What about following in her father's footsteps? She had wanted that once too. Was she going to give that up? And what about her 'uncle'? He was in over his head and he didn't even realize it. Nicole may have played the innocent goofball extremely well, but she had kept her ears to the ground. She knew people, even though no one would ever expect it considering who she was. She knew somehow important had gone down in the underworld, something potentially game changing, and she knew that the drug business was booming. Even with people like that German running around, business was good and it almost scared Nicole. She didn't want to start a career and have it ruined because something went wrong. But why would anyone come after her? What about her 'uncle'? What if they came after him or worse...But he wasn't her responsibility. Yet, she loved him and he needed help. He wasn't strong enough for this, never had been. That was why he had tried...and she was going to be his savior? She didn't know what it took to survive in the dark underworld. Sure, she had picked up a few tricks from her father and 'uncles', but that wans't enough. Nicole would be more of a distraction than a help and yet...there was a small part of her that pulled her in that direction. Something deep inside yearned for it, had always yearned for it....

Why was she even thinking about such things now? It didn't matter anyway. She would just focus on her PA job and that was that. She picked up the menu to try and distract herself. Tonight was not the night to wrestle with herself. Tonight was going to be about spending time with Bailey. It had been so long since they had a chance to be with each other. Why would she want to ruin it with her moping self? Besides it wasn't like she could tell Bailey what was bothering her. The only one who knew her dark secret was Tatiana and she still wondered if that had been a wise decision. Too late now. She hadn't seen the former Gryffindor in a while. Nicole hoped something hadn't happened to her or her father...Now, she knew that Bailey wasn't dumb and the Welsh woman had probably figured out that something wasn't quite right about Nicole and her family, but she wanted to keep her in the dark as long as possible. She didn't know why as she knew Bailey wouldn't care. Bailey wasn't like that. Nicole simply didn't want her family's dark past to tainted her in Bailey's eyes. How could it not? Nicole had simply sat back and allowed her family to do all those things. Even if she couldn't stop them, she could have separated herself from the family. She could have disowned them, but she hadn't. That had made her as much of an accomplice as if she had committed those deed herself. And the fact that she was secretly yearning to join that sort of life would raise the warning bells of anyone who wanted to be with her. In someways she felt bad for not telling Bailey, especially as her feelings for Bailey grew stronger and stronger. What had started as a lot of fun had turned into something...more. Something romantic and now Nicole was head over heels for Bailey. She wanted to live with her, to spend the rest of her life with her, but how could she if Bailey didn't know the real her? How could she marry Bailey and try to hide what could be a big part of her life from her? What kind of relationship was that? But to tell?

She felt slightly annoyed at her thoughts. Did she really think Bailey told her everything? Nicole knew who Teran was, what he had done during the war, and what his company did now. Don't tell her that Bailey wasn't in on some of it. Maybe she wasn't aware how deep her boss was involved with the dark arts, but she had to know that something was right. Teran probably had her work on some deadly potion that would be used to further 'the cause'. There was something else. Nicole couldn't put her finger on it, but there was something different about Bailey. One night she had disappeared in the middle of the night and hadn't returned until early in the morning without an explanation. The reason this cause Nicole to raise an eyebrow was because that was the same night 'Uncle' Eric left to meet with some 'business associates'. It was probably nothing, but it made Nicole wonder. Of course, she hadn't said anything out of respect and love for Bailey. Don't fix what wasn't broke, right?

Nicole put the menu down with a sigh and took another sip of water. She shouldn't be thinking about those things tonight. Just focus on how beautiful Bailey was and how much she missed her. Focus on how much she wanted to be with her forever. Focus on how much she loved her. the thought caused a dreamy smile to creep on her lips and she sat there thinking about Bailey.
Edited by Nicole Parker, Jan 6 2012, 06:05 AM.
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For taking and for giving and for playing the game
For praying for my future in the days that remain
Oh lord for that I hold you
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For cryin' out loud
For that I love you

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Bailey Carwyn
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Bailey bustled down the street towards the restuarant where she was to meet Nicole, glad that she had brought an umbrella because it had started to rain during her walk. Her long sleeved black coat wasn't exactly waterproof but she hadn't been thinking of the weather when she dressed that morning but it did seem to keep part of her short black corset dress dry. Her hair was down and blowing about in the wind as she tried to keep the umbrella steady over her head but as ever the wind in london always seemed to get close to gail force when you didn't need it to. She sighed and kept her gaze down so the rain wouldn't get in her eyes, it would definitely be the last thing she needed, her make up being completely botched by the time she reached her girlfriend. Yet she was definitely glad she had taken Teran's lead and started keeping clothes at the office so she would have something to change into in instances like this where she had completely forget they even had plans until the last minute. She just hoped she wasn't under dressed for the restaurant they were meeting in.
That seemed to be the way though, she spent so much time at the shop or at the London office, away from Nicole which she knew was taking a tole on their relationship. She had been around a while to hear of Nicole's new job and how she had finally decided on a career path which Bailey was happy for her for. Afterall Nicole had been growing restless in that state of inbetween school and a career path and while Bailey had tried to help her it seemed like Nicole had needed the opportunity to figure it out for herself. Now that she had decided it did mean there was the question of their relationship status, but hopefully that would no longer be an issue after tonight.

Finally Bailey reached the restaurant and paused in the foyer outside the restaurant to shake out her umbrella before closing it and holding it at her side as she reached the front desk. She gave her name and was led towards the the table at the back of the room where she found Nicole already sat there staring at the menu. But from the look in her eyes Bailey could tell her mind was not on which meal she wanted but something else which she would want to talk to Bailey about. The waiter pulled the chair out for Bailey and Bailey gave a polite smile as she set her umbrella down to lean against the wall before unbuttoning the coat and pushing it off her shoulders so it rested over the back of her chair, revealing the dress she was sure Nicole would appreciate. That being said by looking at Nicole, her outfit was beautiful definitely a style she could consider wearing more often. Bailey waited until the waiter had left them alone before leaning over the table to press a kiss to Nicole's cheek. "Hello there beautiful." she whispered softly.

It was true that they had been very busy in their own lives though it was not just because of their careers despite what Nicole may have thought but also because things with Aspen had been getting worse to the point that Bailey didn't really like leaving him alone. Siarl and Ceri did often alternate between coming to look after him to make sure he didn't do anything stupid when by himself but it didn't stop her from worrying. Not to mention the fact that their parents were always buzzing in her ear trying to get her to push him to get help but she didn't really have the time, try as she might. But there was no denying that there was a distance between the two that kind of had something to do with Nicole being at Hogwarts while Bailey hadn't been, but due to Bailey's friends scattering themselves through Europe and even her few fellow lesbian friends who had merged into the best jobs through family influence there was little chance of her having time to do anything but work either in Cardiff or London. And that was kind of what Bailey lived for. She had merged into the role of a Potioneer seamlessly and continued to get more and more experience every day, not to mention that Teran was always coming up with more opportunities for her as opposed to Quintana that she could hardly say no to. She just hoped that Nicole would realise all this and not resent her for it when she spent more time at the office than with her. But Bailey wasn't going to bother Nicole with her worries about Aspen or her work stuff but that didn't mean that the brunette was not as important to her now as she had always been.

Afterall Nicole was one of the best people Bailey needed in her life, even when she wasn't around due to work or distance her support seemed to know no bounds and it was exactly the same with Bailey for her. Her relationship with Nicole seemed to have last longer and over come more obstacles than any of her other relationships. And what seemed to make it all the more endearing was the fact that Nicole didn't seem to see the beauty that Bailey did when she looked at her. Even though other people could obviously see it, it seemed to keep her grounded but not to such a extent that she seemed to keep her sense of inner beauty. Yet Bailey knew her parents would want to meet the girl that she was so serious about, just like they constantly wanted to meet Aspen's lover which wasn't a good idea at the best of times but would result in Manfred being called a variety of names and probably being thrown from the building at the effect he had on her twin, if not by her father or mother then definitely by Bailey herself. But she could also tell that Nicole knew more about her work with Teran than Bailey was giving her credit for. But also something bothered Bailey that she was sure Nicole knew about, that she knew nothing about her family. It was as though there was something she was hiding that she felt Bailey would never understand but it felt kindwrong thatNicole knew a lot about her own family but knew nothing about her girlfriend's, not that it was something she would ever push about. If Nicole didn't want her to know that was her business just like if she didn't want to tell her family she was gay...another thing that Bailey was sure she hadn't done, compared to Bailey coming out the closet to her parents on the most inappropriate day ever. But that didn't mean that Nicole didn't feel as strongly for Bailey as the blonde did for her. That Bailey wanted to spend the rest of her life loving and being with Nicole no matter how much or how little she knew about the real her.

Bailey just hoped that Nicole would accept that she didn't want to talk to her about her work with Teran or why it was that she had disappeared in the middle of the night to meet with the brotherhood in a way that she had never even considred being a part of anymore. She hadn't told Nicole about it because she knew how it would look to her girlfriend and that was something she didn't really want to argue about if she could get away with it.

Bailey smiled as she looked at her own menu and watched out the corner of her eyes as Nicole put down her menu and took a sip of water. Bailey flicked through the wine list, watching a smile appear on her girlfriend's lips.
"So I was thinking we should get some firewhiskey in us before we start eating does that sound good to you? Unless elderflower wine is more your thing?" Bailey smiled, brushing her foot against Nicole's leg under the table to get her attention.


Rating: 10 PT
Rated by: Leslie
Edited by Katia Grinkova, May 22 2012, 07:13 PM.
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Nicole Parker
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Nicole wasn't annoyed at Bailey for being so busy. In fact, she was proud of her girlfriend. Bailey hd always done well in potions in school, but now she finally get recognition for her skills. Nicole may not have been fond of Teran or like what he was doing to Bailey, but even she knew he was one of the premier potioneers out there. So if he trusted Bailey so much and was giving her so many tasks, it meant that Bailey was on her way to be one of the best. It was something worth celebrating and Nicole wasn't selfish enough or so insecure that she couldn't bask in her girlfriend's achievements. She knew how much it to Bailey and she knew that Bailey was trying hard to keep up with Teran's expectations. So, no, she wasn't upset or annoyed that Bailey was working so hard. Even if Bailey took some time off, it wasn't like Nicole could spend any more time with her. Nicole was just as busy and just as dedicated at Bailey, even though she wasn't sure if this was really what she wanted to do with her life. In some ways it was, but in other ways it wasn't. It a lot of ways it was simply a cover-but Nicole wasn't sure what it was a cover for. Was she still considering a life of crime? Could she be a drug lord, since that seemed to be the newest craze in the criminal underworld? She wasn't sure. Sure she pushed drugs on Becky, but that hadn't been on purpose. It was suppose to be a one time thing. Maybe she should hit the streets and start pushing. She almost smirked at the though. Oh, yeah, that was the way to go. Still she saw that many of teh singers and models were already hooked. If she decided to follow in her family's footsteps, it would be easy. No one looked too hard at the social elite. Hell, she could get into a partnership with Teran. She would push his product and he made damn sure he treated Bailey well. It was almost worth it and she was sure her 'uncle' would be so proud.

So, no, work wasn't bothering her. She just wished they had more time together, but she knew that even without work, they both had responsibilities that would have kept them apart. She had her 'uncle', Morgan, and Andrew, not to mention her friends, and she had Aspen. Nicole would never tell Bailey, because then she would have to explain a lot about her family, but she knew exactly what Bailey was going through. Her 'uncle' had suffered-and sometimes relapsed-with suicidal tendencies. Nicole had tried so hard as a young girl to give him a reason to live and that was partially why she was still so intent on keeping him safe. She had always taken care of him, just as he had always taken care of her. So she knew the pain Bailey was feeling as she watched her brother disappear into whatever his poison was. The pain that came with seeing a love one give up on everything. The hopeless feeling that came with knowing there was no way they could help. The fear that it was only a matter of time... Aspen needed Bailey more than Nicole did and that was why she allowed the siblings their time together. She would have bailey forever, but if Aspen didn't snap out of it soon, he would only be around for a couple more months-tops.

Nicole didn't understand how someone to do what this Manfred was doing to Aspen. Couldn't he see what kind of pain he was causing? Did he even care? Nicole wasn't a close friend to Aspen, and in a lot of ways she tolerated him because he was Bailey's brother, but he was a good guy and everything Aspen felt affected Bailey and she hated seeing Bailey so depressed. Nicole had asked Bailey multiple times if she wanted to pay this Manfred a visit. She had learned a few tricks from her 'uncles' that they could have tried out. Bailey had been tempted, but restrained herself because hurting Manfred would only hurt her brother more. Aspen was head over heels for this guy although Nicole didn't understand why. She had been stunned when Bailey explained that this was the same guy they had humiliated in the kitchen. She just didn't get it. He wasn't that good looking at all and seemed a bit of a loser. Why would Aspen fall apart over a guy like that. Of course, Nicole had another reason to dislike him. Her sources told her that this Manfred was the same German poking around in her 'uncle's' business and anyone who threatened her 'uncle' was as good as dead in her eyes. Again the only reason she restrained herself was because of Bailey's wishes to keep her brother happy. She just hoped Manfred would break it off with Aspen soon, so she could give him what he deserved.

As she thought about Aspen, she quickly realized that she knew a lot about Bailey's family-a surprising amount actually. She had yet to meet her parents, but Nicole was in no hurry. She had never done well with parents and she was still uncomfortable about her sexual status. Sure she was comfortable with her friends and stuff, but she was still subconscious with strangers. She had no idea what Bailey's parents thought about their daughter's lifestyle. They had never discussed it, because it had never seemed to be important. Now, things were changing. Nicole didn't simply like Bailey anymore, she....she loved her and wanted to be with her, forever. She wasn't sure if Bailey felt the same way though and she had no idea how she was going to break the news to her 'uncle'. Morgan had been supportive and although she didn't quite understand it-what being straight and all-she was happy for her and had fun listening to Nicole gush about how amazing Bailey was. Her 'uncle', however, was a different story. it wasn't that he frowned upon it, he simply had no clue. Well, that was a bit unfair. She had a suspicion that her 'uncle' knew more than he let on, but the fact was that they simply hadn't talked about it. He knew she was gay and he knew she had been seeing someone, but that was about it really-as far as Nicole could tell anyone. The problem was, she kind of wanted his blessing if she was going to do anything serious with Bailey, like move in or something, but she didn't know how to approached the subject. She knew he would most likely want to meet Bailey before Nicole moved in with her, which made sense. Not only was it part of his 'fatherly' duties to make sure she wasn't getting mixed up with the wrong sorts of people, it would be his cautionary side kicking in. Anyone Nicole dated could be a threat to the family business. He had to make sure she wasn't a spy or an informer. So, not only would she have to tell her 'uncle' about Bailey and how serious they were, she would also have to prepare Bailey for the 'pleasure' of meeting her 'uncle'-Mr. Social. Nicole honestly had no idea what her 'uncle' would think of Bailey or what Bailey would think of her 'uncle', she was just thankful he now had a respectable job so there would be that awkward silence that occurred whenever someone used to ask her what her 'uncle'.

She wasn't even sure why she was thinking about these things. Sure she wanted a future with Bailey. Yes, she wanted to move in with her and take care of her. Yes, she wanted to go to bed every night to the sound of Bailey's gentle breathing and wake up every morning to her gentle kisses. Yes, she wanted to share every success and failure with her, suffer the bad and enjoy the good, sacrifice for her and gain with her. She wanted all those things, but did Bailey want them too? Maybe she wasn't ready for a serious commitment right now. Her career was just starting as was Nicole and she wasn't exactly the commitment type. Neither had been Nicole. She had never thought about the future before. She had always been content with the present, with a few flings and nothing more, but everything was changing now that Bailey was in her life. She just hoped Bailey felt the same way.

"Hello there beautiful."

Nicole smiled as Bailey arrived and felt those still butterflies as Bailey sat across from her. It had seemed like an eternity since she had last seen her and she seemed to have gotten even prettier. Her smile grew as Bailey revealed her gorgeous dress and she bit her lip while giving Bailey 'the look'. Oh, it was going to be hard to concentrate tonight. Then again, that was Bailey. She always knew how to arrive the best dressed in the room. It always made Nicole wonder why Bailey even bothered being with her, plain Jane. The skin on her cheek tingled as Bailey gently brushed it with her lips. God, she had missed those lips. She was tempted to grab Bailey by the chin and give her a proper kiss, but restrained herself. They were in a fancy restaurant after all. Maybe they could have some fun later tonight.
"Hello to you too," she grinned lovingly, "nice to see that the ogre finally released you from his dungeon. I was beginning to think I'd have to lead a rescue mission, in tight leather and everything."

"So I was thinking we should get some firewhiskey in us before we start eating does that sound good to you? Unless elderflower wine is more your thing?"

Of course that would be Bailey's first thought. What kind of date didn't involve a little alcohol?
"I'm thinking elderflower wine," she smile as Bailey's foot grazed hers, her skin tingling from her touch, "Specials night like this deserve something stylish."
She reached across the table and gently stroked one of Bailey's gentle petite hands as her eyes took in every beautiful inch of her body. Nicole had no idea how she had managed to catch the attention of a goddess, but she was grateful that somebody was looking out for her. God may have been a bastard, but once in a while her dealt her a good hand. She just hoped He wasn't planning on taking Bailey away from her anytime soon, otherwise she would march up to Heaven and kick some holy ass.
"I've missed you."
It wasn't a reproachful or angry phrase. It was simply a longing, loving sentence, filled with more love than was humanly possible to communicate.
Edited by Nicole Parker, Jan 10 2012, 07:09 PM.
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Thanks Val for an awesome sig
For taking and for giving and for playing the game
For praying for my future in the days that remain
Oh lord for that I hold you
Ah but most of all
For cryin' out loud
For that I love you

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Bailey Carwyn
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Bailey wished she could spend more time with Nicole than just the few mintues they could grab when Nicole came over to the flat to see her or on a date just so she could have an excuse to leave the shop early. But even if she wasn't so high on Teran's list of the best potioneer interns he had she would still be worrying about Aspen...there would no way she could stop that instinct in the back of her mind screaming that her twin needed her. After a recent visit with Manfred Aspen had come home in a deep case of despair that it was hard not to feel how on the very edge he was, she'd seen the bruises on his neck and how he was just letting himself go emotionally. He'd called in sick at work since he came back and stayed in his room with Maxi all day from what she'd heard from Ceri and Siarl, he didn't talk to them if he could get away with it and seemed to be slowly but surely starving himself. If she hadn't been practically shoving one meal a day down his throat she knew he'd be even more of a mess. She didn't want to go so far as to get their parents involved, for her father to drag him out the house and shove him into to St Mungo's against his will but she wasn't sure what else to do. Until he talked about what had happened she was at a loss. though she had noticed similiarites in his behaviour similiar to when he'd been seeing Caled outside of school....and it was scaring her. Had he learned nothing from the way that asshole pushed him around? Or did he just want to pushed to the brink because he thought he deserved it? She didn't know but knew she needed to be there for him more than she was.

Bailey knew barely anything about Nicole's family compared to Nicole's knowledge of her own family. She knew she lived with her uncle and Aunt but had no idea what had happened for her to be in that situation instead of with her parents. She was curious but she didn't want to push her luck in that respect, Nicole would tell her when she felt she was ready. But she knew that eventually her parents would want to meet Nicole just like they would want to meet the asshole that effected their son so badly when they found out but she knew they were going to be scrutinising Nicole...but would understand how serious they were. She hadn't let them meet any of her other girlfriends, mostly because they had usually flown in and out of her bed in a flash, but she knew they would see how much Nicole meant to her....how much she loved her and would do anything for her girlfriend.
They hadn't exactly been supportive when she first came out to them but they had grown to accept who she was and were supportive as much as they were able to be, but she wanted them to treat her as family instead of like Bailey's little fling who she conviently wanted to live with for the rest of her life but never marry....though if that did come up on the cards Bailey wouldn't ever say no. She just wasn't sure if Nicole would ever be so open with her sexuality as to actually want to take that big step.

But one thing was certain. She wanted a future with Nicole....wanted to share a living space....a bed with her. Wanted to take care of her when she was sick...be the person she could tell everything to when she'd had a bad day and just lay with her when she needed a hug. She wanted everything she could ever get out of a relationship with the brunette. Travelling....pets...the whole she-bang but she wasn't sure how to bring it up to Nicole. Her career was just starting and while Bailey's had just got off the ground she would gladly share the high life that came from her position with her girlfriend if only she would let her.

Bailey let a sly grin appear on her face at the smile that crossed Nicole's face reflecting the emotions that seemed to be flowing through Bailey at the view of her girlfriend.It had been a while since Bailey had seen her and she couldn't remember the last time she'd dressed up....probably the disasterous dinner they had with Teran and Sari. But she could tell that Nicole was appreciating her own choice of outfit by the way she bit her lip and gave her a look that screamed if she could Nicole would be dragging her to the bathroom to have her wicked way with her. The feeling was definitely mutual, how could she ignore how gorgeous Nicole looked in her own dress? Bailey raised an eyebrow and let her grin broaden, maybe they'd be leaving before desert tonight afterall. Yet she could see mirroed in Nicole's eyes the question of why Bailey was with her....it was a no brainer but Bailey wasn't going to get into it that night. She could tell there was a reason behind Nicole asking her here and she was definitely going to wait to see what it was. When she'd kissed her cheek Bailey could practically feel the sparks against her lips from Nicole's skin, she half expected her girlfriend to turn her head and kiss her deeply like they usually did when alone but it seemed to take an awful lot for her to restrain herself.


"Hello to you too, nice to see that the ogre finally released you from his dungeon. I was beginning to think I'd have to lead a rescue mission, in tight leather and everything."

"I'm sorry babe. Teran's in a bad mood at the moment and seems to think no-one else has a life." Bailey sighed, letting a sly smirk appear on her face at the end of her second sentence. "Awww well now I feel like I should have stayed at work. That would have been a welcome sight....you in Leather....in front of my desk.."

Bailey didn't think it a good idea to mention why exactly Teran's mood had gone down hill. She'd heard from his PA that Teran had been practically living in his own office for the past few months, due to, it was speculated, another break up with Sari. She didn't know the reason behind the break up but after experiencing the repercussions of the previous break up first hand she didn't exactly envy Quintana for having to put up with their overly snappy boss who had pretty much crawled back into his own skin, nearly starved himself and become and insomniac/workaholic in the worst way possible. It was as though he didn't want to go back their apartment if she wasn't there. Not that she could blame him, she knew how he felt about the model....loved her to the point where it was almost painful.....the same way she felt about Nicole.

"I'm thinking elderflower wine, Specials night like this deserve something stylish."

"Ummm, I like the way you think. I wouldn't like to embarrass you in a place like this by getting trashed." Bailey smiled, looking back down at the wine list and trying to pick the most expensive of the elderflower wines. But before she could ask if Nicole was ok with the most expensive taste she felt the brunette's hand brushing against hers as though she was trying to get her attention for something important. But it was the way her girlfriend was looking her over as though she was some kind of angel sent to look out for her. She let the wine list fall out her hand and rest on the table to lace her own fingers between Nicole's softly, grazing her fingertips up and down her knuckles.

"I've missed you."

Bailey's expression softened a little at the sound of those three words coming out of Nicole's mouth. It was the very same three words that she herself thought of when she often found herself sleeping at her desk instead of going on a date with her.

"'Cole I missed you too." she smiled, guiding Nicole's hand to her lips and kissing the back softly, "trust me if I didn't have to work you wouldn't be able to get rid of me."

A waiter appeared and Bailey gave Nicole's hand a squeeze as she turned her gaze to the menu to decide what to eat. She didn't eat as much as she should at work but this was definitely a good excuse to try something new.


Rating: 10 PT
Rated by: Leslie
Edited by Katia Grinkova, May 22 2012, 07:15 PM.
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Nicole Parker
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It was funny as Nicole had often made fun of loving couples before she met Bailey and now she was one of those sappy dolts. She had never imagined herself falling in love and, in some ways, had been terrified of meeting that one girl who would make her fall heads over heels. She was still terrified and this fear was one of the reasons she didn't tell Bailey how much the Welsh woman meant to her. How could she say it? How did normal people say it? It seemed like they would pick the most romantic moment possible and just say it. Nicole wasn't sure how they managed to arrange it, but she knew she would never be able to be that romantic or that lucky. If she had ever tried to do anything romantic-really romantic not a dinner at a fancy restaurant romantic-it would most likely end in disaster. It wasn't like she had a romantic to ask either. Her 'aunt' and 'uncle' were hardly saps themselves. The most romantic thing her 'uncle' had ever done was take Morgan away for a vacation together and that was how they ended up with Andrew. She suppose she could ask Dayla, but her romances usually ended up in tears so maybe she was going about it the wrong way. Still Nicole wished she could tell Bailey how she really felt. She didn't know why it was so bloody hard. What was she afraid of? Honestly, the worst that could happen was that Bailey would reject her feelings and Nicole would have her heart crushed, no big deal. She could handle that, right? Just eat a lot of chocolate and ice cream. She mentally rolled her eyes at the thought. Maybe it was better to sit here, bursting with all these painful emotions instead of letting them out. Things couldn't get messed up if she didn't say anything, right?

Nicole assumed that it was hard for everyone to admit their true feelings. How could it be otherwise? Admitting that one loved someone was a huge risk and could either make or break a person. Of course, being Nicole, there was more to it than risking rejection. Nicole had always been a loner by nature. She was friendly and appreciated her friends, but she had never tied herself to anyone. She always made sure she could break away from her friends at a moment's notice and only showed her true self to her family. She didn't know how to truly connect with strangers. Nicole had grown soft when she met Dayla, Becky, and Cas, but even they didn't know the true her. Only Tatiana knew about her tortured past and even then it wasn't like they were extremely close. They both simply had fucked up families. Things were different with Bailey, though. She loved her. She wanted to share her life with her and that terrified Nicole. She had never met another person who she felt so connected to before. Nicole literally felt like she and Bailey were one, that each breath one took the other took as well. She simply couldn't imagine a life without Bailey and it felt so right and yet so wrong at the same time. How could have allowed herself to get attached like this? Yet, her family had been attached before. Her father had loved her mother and her 'uncle' loved Morgan, so why couldn't she allow herself to love Bailey? Why did she have to be the strong one and allow the others to have their weaknesses? It wasn't fair. She should be able to tell Bailey how she felt and move in with her. Yes, she should be allowed to live her own life and not be afraid of the consequences or the repercussions. Hell, she wasn't even part of the family business-not officially anyway-and no one said she had to be. It was her life, her choice. Fuck the consequences.

If only. She really wished she could be as ditzy and flakey as she pretended to me. If she was more like Cas, she wouldn't be plagued by her family obligations, keeping her friends safe, or protecting the ones she loved. She could just go through life pretending nothing was wrong and getting away with it. She was being stupid. She didn't even know if Bailey felt the same way. Was that always going to be her default excuse? "I don't know if Bailey feels the same way so I'm not going to chance it?" She was tired of denying her feelings, of denying that maybe (God forbid) someone actually saw worth in her. She was going to be a model for Christ's sake and she was afraid of admitting that someone might love her. Afraid of admitting that she was special, that she mattered to someone in this God forsaken world. She didn't know why, and in a lot of ways it didn't matter, but Bailey liked her, had dated her for at least two years, and kept wanting to see her. People didn't do that if they didn't care about the person and Nicole loved her, so why was she allowing her fears to control her? Why was she let ghosts and shadows trap her in a life that she didn't want anymore? Why doom herself to a world of pain and power when she didn't have to? She maybe a Parker but that didn't mean she had to follow in her family's footsteps and even if she did, why couldn't she bring Bailey along? Bailey wasn't a goody-two shoes. She wasn't evil, but she wasn't going to turn her back on Nicole or hurt her just because she wanted to walk a darker path than everyone else. So why was she still hiding?

"I'm sorry babe. Teran's in a bad mood at the moment and seems to think no-one else has a life. Awww well now I feel like I should have stayed at work. That would have been a welcome sight....you in Leather....in front of my desk.."

"When is Teran ever in a good mood?" she scowled, "I swear someone should slip him some Prozac."
She was kind of curious as to why Teran was worst than usual. It was true that he had never been a very social person, but he had never been this bad before. Had something gone wrong with his side business? Did that mean her 'uncle' could be in danger? Or was Teran just pmsing? She wanted to ask, but she didn't want tonight to be about business. She wanted to simply be with Bailey and tell her...It was time and she was tired of hiding. Maybe this wasn't the most romantic of places or moments, but she didn't care. She couldn't hold it in anymore. She should have said it months ago. Nicole smirked at Bailey's second comment and said, "I'll see what I can do the next time he decides to lock you in his dungeon, but as for tonight, I'm glad you managed to escape on your own."

"Ummm, I like the way you think. I wouldn't like to embarrass you in a place like this by getting trashed."

Nicole smiled and said, "Yes, that wouldn't be a good idea, especially with my new found popularity. I've got to be on my best behavior 24/7 now that I'm a star."
She couldn't help but laugh at her own statement. She was joking of course. She wasn't well known at all and if she and Bailey ended up getting trashed tonight no one would notice. She was beginning to work her way into the glamorous world of models and singers, but she was only a PA at the moment and nobody cared about PAs. Maybe someday she'd make to the top, but, as of now, she was still lower than dirt to the paparazzi's eyes.

"'Cole I missed you too. trust me if I didn't have to work you wouldn't be able to get rid of me."

Nicole's heart melted as Bailey's eyes met hers and she gently stroke the back of her hand. God she loved Bailey so much it literally hurt. She just wish she could tell Bailey that. She had never been very gifted with words and everything that came out of her mouth sounded so stupid. She had spent hours in front of a mirror rehearsing every line imaginable, trying to find the perfect one that would express her true feelings and they all sounded so hollow. There didn't seem to be a way to humanly express how she felt towards Bailey and it was killing her. Even I love you sounded meaningless compared to the emotions that were swirling in her heart. Maybe it was her fear that made everything sound so third grade, her own subconscious trying to fuck her over so she was never happy. Fuck her screwed up mind. Her skin tingled as Bailey kissed the back on her hand and she melted inside and a contented smile slid across her lips.
"I know," she said softly, "And I don't mean it like that. It's just I...."
And the words, instead of coming out, got caught in her throat and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't say it. God damn it! Nicole sighed as the waiter arrived and Bailey let go of her hand. Nicole, too, picked up the menu and ordered the first thing she saw.
"I'll have the filet mignon, please," she said handing the menu to the waiter.
She wasn't too focused on eating right now. She was trying to gather up the courage to tell Bailey the truth.
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Thanks Val for an awesome sig
For taking and for giving and for playing the game
For praying for my future in the days that remain
Oh lord for that I hold you
Ah but most of all
For cryin' out loud
For that I love you

Member of the Boredom Club With A Boring Name Because We Couldn't Think Of Anything Because We Were So Bored
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Bailey Carwyn
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Bailey had never seen herself as being a part of a loving couple who would move hell and high water to do whatever it took for her other half to be happy. But that had been before Nicole had stumbled into her life and now she would do everything in her power to make sure that her girlfriend was happy. She had thought the concept of love between two people in her position had been nothing but a fable to let people believe that they had a chance to be one of the normal people but when Nicole came into her world, ink blotted robes and all, that day in the girls bathroom it had been like a flash had flowed through her very soul, telling her to do everything in her grasp to keep this girl in her life. Dump the others, clean up her act and be monogamous for the first time in her existence or make the effort with her appearance. All that and then some. But the more she let herself change for Nicole the more the words that people would often say began to sit on the tip of her tongue as though waiting for her to gather her nerve enough to voice how she was feeling. But it wasn’t so easy as to pick an opportunity to say ‘I love you’ especially when her life was so much complicated than it had been when they had first met and made out in that bathroom. There was also the fact that Bailey had never had to be romantic in any aspect before and the mere concept scared the hell out of her but she had a feeling that if she didn’t in the least attempt it she would lose Nicole and that was the last thing that she wanted in any way. And while Aspen had always been the romantic in the family gathering by what he was enduring now it was better to try and figure it out her instead of worrying him with problems about her relationship with Nicole when he was going through hell. But of one thing Bailey was sure that these feelings, whether the box was opened or not, would not be going away and Nicole deserved to know that someone loved her even if she didn’t feel the same way.

It was hard to take the risk to tell someone how deeply you felt about them when there was the possibility of rejection, no matter how small, on the horizon. Because the outcome was not something that was easy to see, if there was a chance of certainty it would be easier to admit without the nerves. While Bailey told people she loved them it was never intended the same way she was feeling with Nicole. It was mostly to her family or her close best friends and with both of those groups came different kinds of love. This type was completely a category in its own right which was rare to the point of being extinct any real romantic would tell you. Bailey had never seen herself as being alone but in most cases that was because she was a twin and would always be seen as having someone who would understand her and be there for her when she needed him. She tied herself to other people so easily because of it, because of the need to have someone beside her to calm her down when she was restless and listen to her babbling about things that didn’t matter whether she was drunk or not. It was how she was so social in a roomful of strangers trying to find someone that she could connect with by talking to them about anything for the spark of connection. It seemed like a curse in a way, like the fact her and Aspen’s eyes changed colour when they were around the person they loved, but just like that Aspen seemed to have got the worst end of the stick, while she was social and outgoing, Aspen was the other end of the spectrum. The wallflower, when at his downiest, waiting for someone the equivalent to her to come and pull him out his shell. It was only if excessive amounts of alcohol were involved on his part that his insecurities got shelved and he was back to a version of her.

"When is Teran ever in a good mood? I swear someone should slip him some Prozac."

“He did used to have his good days....It just seems like his mood has gone downhill since he and Sari called it quits again.” Bailey sighed, knowing if she hadn’t supplied the information that Nicole would have wanted to know what possible thing could have turned Teran on his head. “Not to mention that it’s rumoured he now has a kid which he won’t get to see until they get things back together.”

Even before she supplied the information she knew that Nicole had been curious about Teran’s change in behaviour that his social spectrum had gone back to something close to a hermit. It was a side of Teran that up until she had witnessed it she had only heard about from other workers. Yet staff members would all say the same thing if she asked, that he only got this way when Sari was involved in some respect or another. Yet none of them would even dare to try and get involved in getting them back together so the company’s morale would go back to normal because they all feared Teran’s wrath if they so much as mentioned her name. Well that and Teran had always been very protective of Sari which Bailey had witnessed when she and Nicole were at dinner with them. His body language while a lot less uptight than normal had still been on edge as though he was expecting something bad to happen while Sari was around that he would have to protect her from which taking into consideration the kind of business that he was in it was no surprise. But she did have to wonder if there was another reason for him being so protective of the love of his life....did Sari not know what he did and he wanted to keep her ignorant for her own protection? Admittedly Bailey would understand if that was the case, she hadn’t exactly told Nicole everything about her position either and didn’t intend to if it kept Nicole safe from the dark world she was a part of.

"I'll see what I can do the next time he decides to lock you in his dungeon, but as for tonight, I'm glad you managed to escape on your own."

“Sounds like a plan. But I wasn’t sure if I would be late because Teran wanted me to do inventory before he’d let me leave. Might be best to plan for our date not to be at the end of a month next time.” Bailey said with a smile, brushing her index finger nail down the back of Nicole’s hand distractedly.

"Yes, that wouldn't be a good idea, especially with my new found popularity. I've got to be on my best behavior 24/7 now that I'm a star."

“Oh yeah, I forgot about how much you’ll be in the public eye now with the new job.” Bailey grinned, as Nicole laughed at her own statement. It was obvious that Nicole’s job wasn’t that highly publicised just yet but from where Bailey was sitting it was only a matter of time before Nicole was pushed into the spotlight with Bailey right beside her and she couldn’t wait. “Though I mostly meant I don’t want to get so drunk that you have to come back to the flat with me to make sure I don’t injure myself...not a good thing on a weeknight really.”

Bailey watched Nicole’s eyes seem to glitter at she had just said it was as though she felt the exact same way that Bailey did, that their relationship had stemmed to something akin to love now but also didn’t know how to bring it up. And while Bailey, being the usually out going one, would normally be the one to bring it up she had a feeling that the whole reason for this date was for Nicole to push herself just enough so she would say it to her. If she did then Bailey would gladly reciprocate when those three words had left her brunette’s beautifully painted lips but she was going to wait first. She wasn’t going to steal Nicole’s thunder...just wait and if Nicole began to struggle with her words then she would give her a break and supply them herself to ease the situation. She watched the smile spread across Nicole’s face at her own words and the kiss to her hand as though that gesture and those words in their own right were assuring enough.

"I know, And I don't mean it like that. It's just I...."

“I know you don’t ‘Cole.” Bailey smiled, giving her hand a squeeze as the waiter arrived before letting it slide out her grasp to pick what she wanted. Yet she could sense Nicole had just been on the very brink of saying those three words but seemed like she needed some reprieve to collect her wits so the words would come out more easily the next time she tried.

"I'll have the filet mignon, please,"

“And I’ll have a Beef Wellington. And a bottle of the most expensive bottle of elderflower wine for us please.” Bailey said, handing both her menu and the wine list to the waiter who noted down their orders before retreating leaving them to it and hopefully for Nicole to get her mind back on track. Bailey poured herself some water and took a sip watching Nicole’s face over her glass to see how she would try and progress the conversation while ignoring her near slip up.


Rating: 10 PT
Rated by: Leslie
Edited by Katia Grinkova, May 22 2012, 07:16 PM.
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Nicole Parker
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Nicole's entire life had been being torn between two warring natures-her loving lonely nature and her cold distant nature. It partly came from her family life, but also from the fact that she simply didn't know who she was or what she wanted. She had never planned on being with someone-seriously anyway. In fact she had almost planned on being alone. She had never wanted a relationship as they had always seemed as a distraction and rarely did any good. Nicole had quickly learned that it was best to simply live for the present instead of trying to dream of the future, so she never saw the reason to be with anyone. She just enjoyed the moment and if she saw that person again great. If not, oh well. Time to move. That kind of thinking had helped her survive her chaotic life and protected herself and others from being hurt. She assumed that was why everyone else in her family told her to do it. It was a defense mechanism, another weapon to use during business. The confusing thing though was that they never seemed to really want her to be part of the business, but with no other children running around who else was supposed to inherit the business, hm? The Banks line of the family was almost dead-'Uncle' Eric being the only one left and that meant her family-the Parkers had to take over and she was the only Parker child running around, soooo...it made sense to her anyway but no one ever acted like it.

In fact they seemed to try their best to keep her out of the business. At first she thought it was some weird form of sexism, but now she knew better. Her father simply followed the orders from 'Uncle' Eric and 'Uncle' Julius. He was either too drunk or too busy with pleasure to actually put any thought into her education. He just spoiled her, but left all the major decisions to her 'uncles'. That in itself probably explained her torn nature as her two 'uncles' had never agreed when it came to her. 'Uncle' Eric wanted her to have nothing to do with the business-most likely because he too was trying to find a way out-and 'Uncle' Julius humored him mostly because he didn't want to give up control. That was the real problem. He thought he would live forever and didn't want to plan for the day he would drop-even though everyone had to do sooner or later. Actually, Nicole had heard rumors that he was trying to find a way to live forever and had run a number of experiments. It was why he wasn't here in England and that was why he needed 'Uncle' Eric to run the business for him. Personally Nicole hoped the experiments backfired and killed him, leaving her and 'Uncle' Eric the business. Imagine what it would be like to have a booming drug business to themselves.

She shook the thought from her head. That would never happen and she wasn't even sure if that was what she wanted especially now that he had Morgan and Andrew and she had Bailey. If it had just been the two of them like in the old days...maybe. But she had too many people to consider now and he had too many responsibilities and was actually adjusting rather well to civilian life. She supposed it really wasn't that surprising as he had wanted out for the longest time. She was actually surprised 'Uncle' Julius had let him live because for a while...no point in thinking about that now. It was the past and it couldn't hurt them anymore. She only had the present...and now the future. Bailey had given her a future and it honestly terrified her. She had never had hope for the future before. Was this how 'Uncle' Eric felt with Morgan? Did that mean it was worth the risk? She wasn't sure. She had no idea what the future held for her or what would happen, but she knew one thing for sure-the only thing she knew for sure, was that she wanted Bailey in her life. She just hoped the blonde felt the same way. Still, Nicole had decided that at this moment she was going to take the risk. She was going to tell Bailey how she felt. She didn't care if it wasn't romantic or if Bailey shot her down. She was just going to chance it because she really couldn't hold it back anymore. She didn't care about the consequences anymore. She loved Bailey and that was enough for her.

“He did used to have his good days....It just seems like his mood has gone downhill since he and Sari called it quits again. Not to mention that it’s rumoured he now has a kid which he won’t get to see until they get things back together.”

"Again?!" she said surprised, “Weren’t they supposed to be Finland’s perfect couple?”
When she had met Teran and Sari at the dinner, she could sense the tension between and she had heard of all the rumors from Bailey, but she never thought they were really going to break up. They had seemed to be the perfect couple, the type that would have been together forever. Still he had it coming. He was a real jackass around her and treated her like she was a porcelain doll. Nicole recognized what he had been doing as that was what 'Uncle' Eric used to do with her whenever she was on the verge of finding something out about the business. He would treat her like a frail child who couldn't handle any kind of crisis and would try to keep her locked in her own bubble of innocence. She understood why he did it, but it still hurt and it didn't really accomplish what he wanted. It only made her angry at him and more determined to find out what the hell was going on. She assumed Sari had had enough. Still that bit about the child was harsh. Nicole never had a kid (obviously) but she knew what it was like to grow up without a parent. She knew that Sari probably thought she was doing the right thing, but every child deserved to know both of their parents-even if one of them was an asshole. That was the one thing she could never really forgive her father for even though she knew her mother was a whore and a bit of a bitch, she still wished she at least had a choice of getting to know her, instead of having it decided for her. Nicole conveniently ignored that in a way she was doing that to Bailey, although their circumstances were different. Bailey wasn’t family and they weren’t even that serious…yet anyway. Nicole knew that if they decided to go further than she would have to tell Bailey everything which was why this moment could be the most important moment in their relationship. If Bailey admitted that she loved Nicole too and they decided to go further in their relationship than Bailey was going to get the whole package, because that was the way it was supposed to be. She wondered if Bailey was ready for something like that. Was Nicole? Bailey probably had secrets of her own. Was Nicole ready to be burdened by Bailey’s ghosts?
“That sucks,” she said pensively, “I mean yeah he’s an asshole but to be denied access to his kid? That must hurt a hell of a lot and Sari will regret it later, especially if the kid finds out what she did.”
She looked up realizing that she might have revealed a lot more about her own feelings than she had meant and shrugged.
“Then again Teran had it coming to him and Sari’s gorgeous enough to find a nicer guy. She’s probably being swarmed now that everyone knows she’s single.”

“Sounds like a plan. But I wasn’t sure if I would be late because Teran wanted me to do inventory before he’d let me leave. Might be best for our date not to be at the end of the month next time.”

Nicole rolled her eyes and said, “Doesn’t he have another assistant he can abuse or is he simply fond of you?”
She was pretty sure there was another assistant besides Bailey or maybe she was just making shit up. No, there was…Queztelington or something like that. She remembered Bailey talking about him one night. Yeah, so if Teran had another assistant why was he always up Bailey’s ass? Stupid fucking abusive git. Maybe Bailey reminded him of Sari and he got his jollies over abusing her.

”Oh yeah I forgot about how much you’ll be in the public eye now with the new job. Though I mostly meant that I don’t want to get so drunk that you have to come back to the flat with me to make sure I don’t injure myself…not a good thing on a weeknight really.”

Nicole knew that Bailey had the utmost faith in her and was simply waiting for her girlfriend to be discovered. She had been supportive of the whole model/singer thing and was ecstatic for her when she got the job being Destiny’s PA. Then again Bailey had told her from the moment they had met in the girl’s bathroom that she looked like a goddess-and that was when she covered in ink and potions. Bailey had always made sure to compliment her looks and Nicole would never deny that she didn’t appreciate it, but there were also times when she felt that Bailey went over the top. Still she wasn’t complaining. It was nice to have someone who would compliment her no matter how shitty she looked. Nicole’s lip curled into an intrigued grin and said, “I wouldn’t mind at all. In fact that sounds like a lot of fun.”

“I know you don’t ‘Cole. And I’ll have a Beef Wellington. And a bottle of the most expensive bottle of elderflower wine for us please.”

Nicole nearly tripped the waiter as he took their orders and left. He couldn’t have waited a few more minutes? Now she was all flustered and had lost her confidence. She took a sip from her water and watched Bailey serenely pour herself a glass of water. Nicole wondered if she knew and she was just waiting for Nicole to gather up her courage once more. She probably did. Nicole was pretty sure her feelings were obvious to everyone who knew her. Hell her ‘uncle’ probably knew. Yeah, Bailey knew. That almost caused Nicole to flush but also comforted her. If Bailey knew, that meant that she must have felt the same way too because she hadn’t tried to run away or break up with her or anything. Could that be possible? Did Bailey really feel the same way about her? Did she really know? Only one way to find out.
“Uh, Bailey,” said Nicole scratching the back of her neck nervously, “I…I…I’m really glad I met you.”
She nearly smacked herself in the forehead. What the fuck was that?! Of all the corny, bullshit lines she could have used that was what she chose?! She didn’t even choice it! It just fell right out. God damn it! She was really tempted to use her fork and stabbed herself in the eye for being so god damn stupid.
“That’s not what I meant,” she quickly said, “I mean I am glad that I met you but there’s more. I…I’ve never met anyone like you and I never thought I could feel the way I do about you.”
Okay, so basically she was going to start quoting every lame, sappy, romantic trash she had ever seen/read/heard. Great. Argh now it was ruined. Everything was ruined because she was a babbling idiot.
“You know what, forget it,” she said dejectedly, “Forget I said anything.”
She took a gulp from her water wishing it was alcohol. Where the hell was that wine?!
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Thanks Val for an awesome sig
For taking and for giving and for playing the game
For praying for my future in the days that remain
Oh lord for that I hold you
Ah but most of all
For cryin' out loud
For that I love you

Member of the Boredom Club With A Boring Name Because We Couldn't Think Of Anything Because We Were So Bored
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Bailey Carwyn
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In most respects Bailey was one of the more lucky people with a family that was complete. She had parents who adored her despite her bad performance at Hogwarts they had never threatened to throw her out or anything of the sort, they were just happy that she had finished and had a good job with Teran. Then against in her early teens she hadn’t seen it that way with her Father a successful accountant with a largely well known firm in Cardiff and her mother one of the most sought after female seeker in Wales, back then she had only seen the pressure of having to be as successful and respectful as her parents and that was what had caused all her rebellion. Of course in the beginning her coming out the closet hadn’t really helped with her relationship with them, though again she wasn’t sure at the time because they had wanted grand kids from her and a successful husband. Of course she got clarification of that when they calmed down after her announcement. They hadn’t been judgemental, they accepted that it was who she was and that if being with women made her happy then that was fine. Of course it had taken them longer to get used to Aspen being gay but they’d taken it in their stride and while she didn’t live with them anymore she knew that if they needed her or vice versa she would go over and do whatever she could. She had told them she was seeing someone around the time she told them of her promotion at Teran’s place and while they had been curious and asked her about Nicole she had told them as much as she could get away with....assuring them if it got serious she would bring her home to meet them. And it was at that stage....really it was but she wasn’t going to push Nicole into that position just yet.

They were still worrying about Aspen from what little she could tell them in that respect and if Manfred did finally dump her twin she didn’t want to shove her own relationship in his face because it would end up being a family dinner whether he wanted to come or not. Bailey guessed she was just lucky that she hadn’t found herself hooked up on a female Manfred or the pair of them would have been a mess. But she was sure if their parents wanted him over Aspen would give in if only for the sake of getting out the house and away from Ceri and Damon so they could see their younger siblings. But with Carys in her second year at Hogwarts that would be a bit of a mission. They had always been close with the younger three, Carys, Eira and Ianto looked up to them like they were the perfect role models despite not really knowing everything about them. It was sweet and in some ways it did have Bailey thinking about Kids, she would never be the proper kind of Mum....a potioneer wasn’t exactly the best person to have a kid with the amount of ingredients that could be ingested and get into the blood stream in a number of ways but Bailey could easily see her and Nicole....in a dysfunctional house hold raising a couple of kids. If Nicole could even see that happening then Bailey would eagerly be along for the ride since she loved the brunette and would give up potions with a snap if Nicole wanted that life for them.

"Again?! Weren’t they supposed to be Finland’s perfect couple?”

“I don’t know what to tell you ‘Cole. I respect his privacy enough that I’m lucky I know that much. I’m sure if he had his way anyone who knew would be fired.” Bailey sighed, grazing the tip of her finger around the edge of her empty wine glass.

It had been hard not to pick up on the atmosphere between the couple when she and Nicole had been dining together. She had been around Teran enough to read the protective aura and how he clung to her physically with his hand in hers or something to that respect. When she had first got into the business and met them for the first time she had just expected that was normal for heterosexual couples since she didn’t know that many but the more often she’d see the two together...which was never in the office of course....she’d begun to see the wear and tear. They’d look happy of course, their body language was happy and filled with love but it was just the small things that had her at the time questioning. Such as the way they held each other’s hands...you’d expect equal grip with fingers enlaced for the equality. But with them it was always Teran’s hand on top of Sari’s like it had always been that way since the beginning but they didn’t pick up on it. There was also how Sari always met Teran’s gaze but Teran’s eyes would always move to the corners like he was discreetly checking over her shoulder. Again she knew Teran was keeping Sari in the dark, protecting her but instead of treating her like an equal partner he was treating her like the image she gave out at the magazine, a blonde bimbo with no brain that couldn’t possibly be in the same league as the infamous Teran. Which wasn’t exactly fair if you thought about it. So if she thought about it that way then there was no real surprise that Sari had finally got sick of being fobbed off with excuses and attempted distractions. Not to mention if a baby was in the equation now it would only make things worse if they’d just carried on.

She knew that Teran’s workaholism was at the highest level possible in any respect. It was worse than her own and her standard in regards to working was pretty damned high. He’d rarely spend time with Sari if his mind was on a project, she had seen him blowing her off through her his PA many a time if they had a date planned and even if they didn’t he’d be just as worse spending his night at the office and sleeping there. She’d come into the office the next day to see him in the same suit looking like he’d barely slept before he cast the charm and pull on a new suit. Now that he and Sari were having a kid that wasn’t gonna fly anymore. While Teran could try and maintain nothing would or should change there would be a pretty big change which would impact on his time with Sari not to mention the time he’d have to spend with the kid too, leaving Sari to do that was just plain irresponsible. So Bailey could see where she was coming from. She knew Teran well enough to know that this wasn’t the end of Teran and Sari in any meaning of the word, once the kid was born he would want to get back and Sari would want him just as much. She just hoped that Teran would accept the changes needed gracefully because otherwise it would only cause more problems.

Bailey couldn’t imagine doing what Teran did with Sari with Nicole. Honestly there were some things she would have to keep if she wanted to keep her girlfriend around. But there would come a time when she would tell her everything and by then they would have been together several years....maybe married with a couple of kids of some kind under their belt. So while Nicole would be disgusted or horrified she wouldn’t leave her....right? If roles were reversed and Nicole had something to tell her, no matter how fresh their relationship or how bad the situation that she was told about she wouldn’t walk out on Nicole. Besides Bailey had no real ghosts in her life to battle with....not the way Aspen did. Compared to Aspen her issues were mostly just about exes, relationship with her parents and when she’d come out to them...but there was no rapes....no abuse or mental health teetering on the edge...no self inflicted injuries or overtly reckless lifestyle. That lifestyle had left her the moment she walked out of Hogwarts, she still smoked sure....still drunk a lot when she had the opportunity and was still looking into her tattoos but aside from that nothing as exuberant as being used like a submissive toy. Bailey’s thoughts were interrupted by Nicole’s response which reminded her she was still awaiting some alcohol. Never mind...that would come soon. She could continue to make small talk about Teran for the moment. As long as it didn’t stray to what she was doing at work.

“That sucks, I mean yeah he’s an asshole but to be denied access to his kid? That must hurt a hell of a lot and Sari will regret it later, especially if the kid finds out what she did.”

Bailey raised an eyebrow at the tone behind what Nicole had said. Obviously Nicole knew what it was like to be abandoned by a parent and it was not something she’d recommend to someone, no matter who their parents were or what the situation was. Bailey could understand, not in the same way as her lover since she grew up in a complete family but she could only imagine how much harder it would have been to come out the closet without the support she started to receive when she told them. A balance was needed for any child to have two parents....and if they lost one....hell if they lost both of them and were fobbed off on to another family member she couldn’t imagine how it would make them feel.

“Then again Teran had it coming to him and Sari’s gorgeous enough to find a nicer guy. She’s probably being swarmed now that everyone knows she’s single.”

“Ah you’d think that. But as much as those two fight they always get themselves back together. The last time Sari appeared to move on Teran decked the guy to get her back.... I don’t think she wants to go down that path again. Teran isn’t going to let her go so easily...and Sari, well...I think she’s just focusing on their kid at the moment. Though I can’t see her sticking it out as a single mum....maybe once she’s got a balance she’ll go back to dating.” Bailey said, shrugging slightly as she leaned back in her chair brushing her hair out her face.

“Doesn’t he have another assistant he can abuse or is he simply fond of you?”

“He does have Quintana as well. I just don’t get why Teran trusts me the most with this kind of thing. I mean he’s trusted me with the Cardiff branch shop...he trusts me with big projects and supervising....but Quintana’s the same age and ability as me and he’s being treated like he’s still a lackey. I should probably look into that actually. As much as I like the job he can’t expect me to be in multiple places doing several things at the same time. It’s exhausting....and I have a beautiful girlfriend I need to keep in mind.” Bailey smiled, leaning forward and tapping her fingers teasingly on Nicole’s wrist.

Bailey did believe that Nicole could do anything she could put her mind to. Admittedly she hadn’t thought the brunette would be into the whole model and singer thing but as long as Nicole was doing what made her happy no matter how long the process took to get there then Bailey was happy for her and would join her on the ride. But to her Nicole had always been beautiful. The first time they met she had been awe-inspiring with beauty even though as Nicole points out every time she was covered in ink, potion and a school uniform, even when Nicole was being dragged out of her bed in the morning dressed in little with messy hair to Bailey she looked gorgeous. Sometimes Bailey couldn’t believe that Nicole was hers....and only hers but each time she’d say as she such she knew Nicole thought she was over exaggerating but that wasn’t true in the slightest. Before Nicole Bailey had made do with everyone else....hadn’t really cared as long as someone was there for her when she needed it. But with Nicole she was Bailey’s everything and more....and she deserved to know how much she was loved and how beautiful she was even if she didn’t believe it half the time.

“I wouldn’t mind at all. In fact that sounds like a lot of fun.”

“What getting so embarrassingly drunk that you have no choice but to come to mine? ‘Cole....I thought you wanted this to be a civilised proper dinner?” Bailey teased, leaning across the table a little before adding, “Not a quick dinner and excuse for me to get so trashed that you have to come to mine. But what the lady wants she will get. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Bailey watched Nicole once the waiter left and saw she was flustered and her confidence on the train of thought she had had obviously disappeared. Damnit. But Bailey tried to pretend like she didn’t notice, keeping her gaze on the water she was pouring but regardless could feel Nicole’s gaze on her like she was wondering if Bailey knew. And she did....because she felt the same but she was keeping her resolve and the words locked in her mouth until Nicole said them first. Bailey’s nature was to go first....in every respect....even in bed but she wasn’t going to let Nicole slide out of this so easily. Nicole had made the effort to do this and while she was pressuring herself to the point that her nerves were a wreck Bailey knew Nicole would get there....and she’d feel the relief when it did come from her own lips before Bailey returned the words she just had to stake it out a bit longer.

Bailey paused from taking a sip of water as she heard Nicole say her name, putting her glass back on the table and tilting her head a little as she watched Nicole’s nervous habit....her tell in a way that she was getting nervous or frustrated. But the way she stuttered it was obvious the phrase she’d used hadn’t been the one she was planning to say. Oh dear.

“Uh, Bailey, I…I…I’m really glad I met you.”

“So am I ‘Cole.” She smiled braiding a few strands of hair into a plait but she watched Nicole’s facial features shift to annoyance slightly at the words she’d used. That if she hadn’t been there, there was any number of things Nicole would have done or said to herself at her choice of words. But it seemed like she wasn’t going to give up she was going to try and steam on ahead in the hopes that the words would come out if she kept on the same path.

“That’s not what I meant, I mean I am glad that I met you but there’s more. I…I’ve never met anyone like you and I never thought I could feel the way I do about you.”

“I’ve never met anyone like you either ‘Cole. And I’m pretty sure that whatever you feel would be more than matched by what I feel for you myself.” Bailey said, letting go of the hair she was fidgeting with and resting her hands on the table, though her gaze never left Nicole’s face as though hoping it give her just that last minute prompt to keep going. Come on, she could do it. But from what Nicole said next it was obvious she was giving up.

“You know what, forget it, Forget I said anything.”

“Now come on ‘Cole you can’t start buttering me up like that and then not tell me what you were going to say.” Bailey said softly, resting her hand on Nicole’s and lacing their fingers together as she watched Nicole gulp down some water oh dear.

Bailey was more than relieved when the waiter appeared with their wine, opening it for them and pouring it into Bail’s glass so she could test it. Bailey kept her gaze on Nicole as she swirled and sipped the wine before nodding at the waiter who poured more into her glass. She then watched him pour some for Nicole before leaving the bottle on the table for them.

“Now ‘Cole I can tell whatever it is you want to tell me is important. So don’t question what I’m going to say, just do it. Squeeze my hand, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Then just let those words come out ok? I promise you it will make you feel better.” Bailey smiled, brushing her thumb against the side of Nicole’s hand soothingly. Here’s hoping the advice would help her lover get rid of the emotional block.


Rating: 10 PT
Rated by: Leslie
Edited by Katia Grinkova, May 22 2012, 07:17 PM.
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Nicole Parker
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Wanderer

In some ways Nicole envied Bailey's family. She knew that they had their problems-most recently Aspen and his insanely cruel boyfriend/thing-but at the same time they were so close and functional. All of Nicole's friends had close, functioning families. Sure Becky was related to Caelestis Moody so he always spent more time saving the world then looking after her and Dayla's Mom seemed to have more husbands than Henry VIII did wives, and Cas...was somehow related to a duke, but for the most part they worked and they were respectable and they never had to fear about waking up the next morning and finding them gone. well Becky kind of had to worry, but seriously who would be able to kill the great Caelestis Moody? People had been trying for decades and he was still around. The only one who could understand what Nicole was going through was her new friend Tatiana and that was why Nicole was so fond of her. She was the one person Nicole could do to if things were too much and while she knew that wasn't necessarily safe or wise, it was nice to have someone who would understand and wouldn't judge. Not that Bailey would judge...or at least Nicole hoped she wouldn't judge, but she wouldn't understand. How could she? Most of the time Nicole didn't really understand. Her life just seemed to be one disaster after another full of fear.

Still, even though she sometimes envied her friend's families, she tried not to hold it against them. It just didn't make sense to be angry at them because they got lucky and she knew that Aspen's condition was killing Bailey. Nicole could related as her 'uncle' went through a decade long depression and there had been moments...if he hadn't met Morgan Nicole wasn't sure what would have happened to him. She sometimes felt tempted to ask him about it just so she could find a way to help Bailey deal with Aspen, but she had always been too scared. He didn't even 'officially' know about Bailey yet and she wasn't going to tell him about her girlfriend by introducing him to her fucked up brother. That wouldn't exactly win him over, now would it? She still felt angry at herself for even caring. She was eighteen now. She could make own decisions. She didn't need his approval...so why was she still scared? Because she wanted it and she wanted to know that it was okay, that this wouldn't somehow end up hurting them. He was all she had left. Everyone else she had loved from her family was gone. She knew it was stupid, but she wasn't ready to let go yet nor she did feel like she should have to, especially since things were going so well for them. For the first time ever they were happy and had a chance to have a normal family and she had to grow up. She still wished he had adopted her. Then she would have his last name and could pretend that she was his daughter...and maybe finally have her suspicions confirmed.

But it was too late for that. She was a legal adult and he wasn't going to adopted her even if she begged him to. He almost wanted Andrew to have Morgan's last name just in case and Morgan refused. Andrew was his son and the world would know it. God, she really wished they would just get married already and have a proper family. It would make them both so happy and he really deserved it. That was kind of another reason why she was hesitant about introducing Bailey to 'Uncle' Eric. He had been depressed and suicidal like Aspen, but he had made it and Aspen...well he wasn't and she knew that Manfred wasn't his Morgan. She didn't want to rub it in Bailey's face, even though she knew her girlfriend wouldn't take it that way. Still she was sure it would upset Bailey slightly. She wasn't even sure if Bailey knew she lived with her 'uncle' and not her father. She hadn't told Bailey, in fact she told her almost nothing about her family. That would have to change of course if they decided to take their relationship to the next level. The idea terrified her and she wasn't even sure why. She knew that Bailey would love Morgan and tolerate Andrew and she knew that her 'uncle' would be on his best behavior. Still...she guessed she was used to living with her old family were outsiders were shunned because they could be threats. God damn her family.

Maybe she could start a new one with Bailey. Nicole had no idea how Bailey felt about children, but Nicole loved them. She supposed it was because she had been, for all intensive purposes, abandoned at such a young age and so she knew the pains a parentless child went through. She had always assumed she would be alone, but that didn't mean she didn't want to adopt the planet. She honestly didn't have a problem being a single parent, although now that she was dating Bailey, she would love raising children with her. She wanted to adopt though and it had to be kids from impoverished areas or bad homes. She wanted to help kids like her. She had once entertained the thought of opening a boarding school of sorts for the misfits. It wouldn't really be a school, but an excuse to have a family without marriage or a partner. She really hoped Bailey felt the same way, because, even if Nicole wouldn't have her school, she was definitely going to have a daughter or two. She just hoped their lifestyles didn't hurt the children. The idea of having a family with Bailey made her glow and she felt giddy. Nicole may have never had a proper family growing up, but she was determined to have one as an adult. She prayed Bailey felt the same way.

“I don’t know what to tell you ‘Cole. I respect his privacy enough that I’m lucky I know that much. I’m sure if he had his way anyone who knew would be fired.” “Ah you’d think that. But as much as those two fight they always get themselves back together. The last time Sari appeared to move on Teran decked the guy to get her back.... I don’t think she wants to go down that path again. Teran isn’t going to let her go so easily...and Sari, well...I think she’s just focusing on their kid at the moment. Though I can’t see her sticking it out as a single mum....maybe once she’s got a balance she’ll go back to dating.

That sounded like a Teran thing to do. She had only met him once, but she had heard plenty of stories about him and she had his type pegged pretty well. He was one of those freaky workaholics who lived, slept, and breathed their jobs. People like that scared her as they never seemed to be quite human. Teran was no different. She simply wondered how he had ever managed to bag Sari and date her for so long. Sari deserved better. Then again love was strange. Look at her and Bailey for example. Bailey deserved so much better and yet she willing settled for Nicole, only the Lord knew why.
"I don't get it," she sighed, "How does a guy like that get a girl like Sari?"
Her eyes widened in shocked as Bailey explained the punching incident.
"What?" she gasped, "He actually punched a guy? Damn. No wonder they dated for so long, she's probably terrified of dumping him especially after an incident like that."
What Bailey said about Sari made sense and it's what Nicole would have done if she had somehow ended up in Sari's position...although they would be a bit odd if truth be told. Still...it would be weird to have another man raise her kid, but that's what her father let happen to her, right? He just dumped her on her 'uncles' and it didn't really seem to bother him. She wondered if it would bother Teran. She hoped so, simply because every child deserved to be loved, but then again judging Teran by his actions...she wouldn't be surprised if he had already forgotten about his kid.

“He does have Quintana as well. I just don’t get why Teran trusts me the most with this kind of thing. I mean he’s trusted me with the Cardiff branch shop...he trusts me with big projects and supervising....but Quintana’s the same age and ability as me and he’s being treated like he’s still a lackey. I should probably look into that actually. As much as I like the job he can’t expect me to be in multiple places doing several things at the same time. It’s exhausting....and I have a beautiful girlfriend I need to keep in mind.”

She knew that Teran really respected Bailey and relied on her a lot, especially now that he was in the doghouse with Sari. It made Nicole extremely proud because she knew that Teran didn't respect anyone lightly. If he trusted Bailey with so much responsibility that meant that she deserved it and she actually knew what she was doing when it came to potions-unlike Nicole. Bailey's skill, however, were sometimes a double-edged sword because while it helped her rise through the ranks of Teran's company it kept them apart. Teran may like being a workaholic and ruining his relationship with Sari, but Nicole didn't want the same thing to happen to her and Bailey. Still she was different from Sari and Bailey wasn't as obsessive as Teran, so maybe they would be all right.
Nicole laughed and said, "Yes, and tell him that this beautiful girlfriend of yours isn't scared of jinxing his ass off if he doesn't start treating you better."

“What getting so embarrassingly drunk that you have no choice but to come to mine? ‘Cole....I thought you wanted this to be a civilised proper dinner? Not a quick dinner and excuse for me to get so trashed that you have to come to mine. But what the lady wants she will get. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Nicole bit her lip to fight a sly grin. Bailey really knew how to get to her and it was true. She wanted this to be a proper dinner but that didn't mean that they couldn't have fun later.
"That doesn't mean we can't visit a pub afterwards and the maybe..."
She trailed off and let Bailey imagine the rest. Hey, they hadn't seen each other for a long time.

“So am I ‘Cole.” I’ve never met anyone like you either ‘Cole. And I’m pretty sure that whatever you feel would be more than matched by what I feel for you myself.”

Come on, Bailey, don't patronize me like that," she thought with great frustration.
She knew her girlfriend was just being kind and supportive, but Nicole didn't need that right now. She needed to be taken seriously, because what she was trying to say would change both of their lives forever. She perked up slightly at Bailey's last sentence, especially as her hands intertwined with Nicole's, but that was quickly dashed by the realization that Bailey was either placating her or wasn't really paying attention. She didn't know why she was refusing to believe that Bailey felt the same way about her or that she truly understood what Nicole was trying to say. Maybe it was because it was almost impossible to believe that someone would actually like her.What was there to like? But she couldn't think like that. She was already flustered and embarrassed, she didn't need to make it worse. She sighed as the evil waiter returned and she was about to jinx him when she saw the wine. All right, maybe he wasn't that evil. She waited as Bailey taste tested the wine and thanked the waiter as he filled her glass. She quickly took the glass and guzzled the entire thing. She grabbed the bottle and poured herself another glass. She was going to need it after this disaster.

“Now ‘Cole I can tell whatever it is you want to tell me is important. So don’t question what I’m going to say, just do it. Squeeze my hand, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Then just let those words come out ok? I promise you it will make you feel better.”

She gently placed the bottle on the table and looked at Bailey uncertainly. She wasn't sure if she could do it. It was too scary and too dangerous. What if Bailey said no? What if Nicole made a fool of herself? Well she all right had, so no worries there. She gulped and bit her lip before nodding. She took a deep breath and tightly held onto Bailey's soft, silk like hands. She closed her eyes and focused on the comforting feeling of Bailey's finger gently stroking her hand. This was it. There was no turning back. Bailey wanted to know what the hell all that build up had been for and Nicole desperately wanted to tell her. It was killing her and she was tried of being afraid. Fuck fears. Fuck the consequences. Fuck being alone. It was too painful being alone. Nicole had never wanted to admit it before, but she wasn't strong enough to be alone, she never had been. Life was too god damn hard to survive on her own. She needed someone, not because they needed to be her crutch, but because she needed a fucking reason to hold on. She needed a reason to try. She needed a reason to get up in the morning. She had already been through so much shit and had lost so many people she loved that she honestly didn't see the point in life anymore. For a long time she only had her 'uncle' but now he was moving on and she needed to move on too. She wasn't a scared fifteen year old girl anymore. She was a strong eighteen year old woman who had done more and seen more in her short life than most people did in a life time. She was tired and alone and scared and she was done. She just didn't fucking care anymore. Then Bailey would come back from work or send her a letter or simply kiss her in the middle of the night after coming back from work and she thought Nicole was sleeping, but how could she sleep when Bailey was gone? Bailey was her purpose, her strength, her light. Bailey made all the pain go away. Sure Tatiana listened and understood, but Bailey healed. She gave Nicole hope for a future and she gave meaning to life. She made all the shit Nicole had gone through and had to go through worth it. Bailey was all she needed. Why couldn't she fucking say it? What was holding her back? Was she really that much of a coward?
"Bailey," she trembled, her eyes clamped shit, her hand holding onto Bailey's so tightly she was pretty sure she was hurting her lover's hand, "I love you."
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Thanks Val for an awesome sig
For taking and for giving and for playing the game
For praying for my future in the days that remain
Oh lord for that I hold you
Ah but most of all
For cryin' out loud
For that I love you

Member of the Boredom Club With A Boring Name Because We Couldn't Think Of Anything Because We Were So Bored
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