Jack Carrington
Capricorn ♑
Posts: 114
Age: Twenty-seven
Occupation: Lawyer
♡ Status: In a Relationship
OOC: Kassie
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Post by Jack Carrington on Jul 8, 2013 4:14:58 GMT
Jack’s heart sank as Theta’s hands slipped away from his own, and he knew that he had said too much. Jack clenched his jaw, regretting having said anything at all. The idea of losing Theta was painful, and he recalled a similar feeling when he came to that harrowing realization that Charlotte had left him. He kept his eyes on her, his expression soft; not a trace of his emotion so much as twinkled in his eyes. Rather, Jack’s expression was almost unmoving, as though the world were standing still. Even through the darkness, he could register the hurt across the young woman’s features - and for that, Jack was ashamed.
Somehow, however, her hands forgave his own. She met him once again, and Jack relaxed. Her words returned that calm, returned hope and optimism. It was no question that Jack and Theta needed one another. They needed this night, they needed that reassurance. Jack smirked warmly, his eyes scanning her expression. She couldn’t walk away from everything that had happened, everything that had been happening. Jack mirrored her emotions, and lifted her hand once more to press his lips against it. “Then consider this us.” Jack smiled warmly, his words just above a whisper.
The lights flickered once more, only to distinguish a final time. Jack was aware that it must have been inching into the early hours of the morning, and even if they had tried to escape, the darkness would resume in the streets. They were safe where they were - untouched, unwatched. Jack turned to press his elbow into the back of the loveseat, his head relaxed against his fist. His eyes observed Theta for a moment. He longed for her to stay, understanding that she must be feeling the effects of the night. “I can keep you comfortable for the night.” Jack whispered and paused for a moment, his eyes not leaving her direction. “You’re safe here.”
And she was. Thunder made itself known once more, and lightening illuminated the grand hall. There would be no way that Jack would allow Theta to attempt to make it home without him; he felt comfort in knowing that she was with him, safe and tucked away for the night. The request was so foreign, as Jack had never let a soul into his home, much less allowed them to stay. After a moment of silence, Jack spoke once more. “Darling,” he spoke softly still. “Please.” And now I come to you with open arms.
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THETA STONE
Aries ♈
Posts: 67
Age: 22
Occupation: Law Student/Intern
♡ Status: In a Relationship
OOC: Sky
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Post by THETA STONE on Jul 8, 2013 4:39:36 GMT
The smoldering look in Theta's burnished copper eyes lit more warmly as a wider smile appeared on her face; the kiss he pressed against her hand set her skin ablaze, and for a moment she felt dizzy with happiness. She'd forgotten what it was like, she'd forgotten how blissful it was to relax from guarding herself, to let her walls come down. For the first time in a long time she felt like she was doing the right thing; and Jack was there beside her.
She found herself gazing contently back towards him; comfortably lost in the depths of those striking eyes of his. For once she could allow that look to linger, unabashed warmth in her expression. Distantly, she wondered at the time. What was she going to do with herself? She wasn't sure if she should linger, it was late, the two of them needed sleep, but she hadn't the smallest inclination to leave him.
The former roar of the downpour had reduced to a still significant drizzle, but it seemed slightly lighter outside -- more a deep blue grey than coal black. Thunder still rumbled ominously above, and every now and than a dagger of lightning jolted through the clouds. Her eyes flicked to the windows, but only for a moment. Even the storm couldn't claim the attention meant for Jack.
His whisper was chillingly pleasant, and had Theta's lips curving into a gentle smile as she considered him. She warmed at the thought of him wanting her to stay, though she was quiet, studying his expression with silent thought. Of course she wouldn't deny him. Theta wasn't sure she could deny him; especially the way he was looking at her. But it was his final words that had stirred her to move.
Theta shifted closer to him, her lips lightly brushing his cheek -- lingering a moment before she pulled back, her smile softly bright in the darkness. "You don't have to ask twice," she answered, her gaze again settling on him -- still trying to convince herself that he was real.
I was lost until you found me.
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Jack Carrington
Capricorn ♑
Posts: 114
Age: Twenty-seven
Occupation: Lawyer
♡ Status: In a Relationship
OOC: Kassie
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Post by Jack Carrington on Jul 8, 2013 14:16:23 GMT
Despite Jack’s desperation for Theta to stay for the night, her words had him slightly taken aback. More so, the feel of her lips soft, modest, against his cheek. She had accepted his offer effortlessly, and in fact, a bit of avidity. Nevertheless, a pleased smile met Jack’s eyes and he nodded. For a moment, Jack locked his gaze with her own. There was a warm silence between the two, leaving only the rain to its gentle speaking. It was a wonder that fate had unfolded in the way that it had; and now, there Theta sat, alluring and tender as always.
Jack lifted his hand, brushing away the same stray hair that had fallen earlier; his expression was cool as his eyes observed the way her hair fell, the gentle curve of her lips, the typical features of Theta that frequently drew his eye. Her earlier retelling of her past had explained why Theta had not been with another man - perhaps for the same reason that Jack had not been with another woman. Out of apprehension, the two of them were lost along the same river, and somehow, they had crossed paths. Jack was grateful that they had.
Gradually, Jack leaned in to kiss her once more. He stopped just as their lips met, allowing his to softly brush her own for a moment. He kissed her, allowing his hand to trace her waist, pulling her closer. The feeling was exotic still, though gratifying all the same. The feeling to kiss a woman was something Jack had longed for, but Theta was not just any woman. She had become a close confidant, though there was still more to learn. The kiss lasted, each breath becoming quicker and each moment more inviting; at once, Jack leaned in, carefully allowing Theta to lay back.
He continued to kiss her, though at the feeling of their intimacy escalating, Jack ceased. His lips just inches from her own, he opened his eyes. One hand had kept itself planted tenderly against the small of her back beneath her, and the other kept him lifted above her. “I...pardon me.” Jack lingered for a moment before pulling away, regaining what sense he had - somehow - lost. Wordlessly, Jack removed himself from the loveseat. He needed a distraction, and knew that Theta would need appropriate sleeping arrangements - he allowed for that to be his diversion.
Jack made his way to a small closet across the room, where sheets, coverlets and throws had been folded neatly and arranged by fabrics. Jack pulled a set of sheets from the top shelf, retrieving a feather pillow from the open space below the array of shelves. He would take the divan for the night, and Theta could find comfort in his bed. And now I come to you with open arms.
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THETA STONE
Aries ♈
Posts: 67
Age: 22
Occupation: Law Student/Intern
♡ Status: In a Relationship
OOC: Sky
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Post by THETA STONE on Jul 8, 2013 14:58:38 GMT
Theta didn't know what it was about Jack that kept her so at ease; the feel of him so close had her heart stuttering in a breathless, pleasing sort of way . . . when, if it had been anyone else, she would have recoiled in apprehension -- her old fears stirring behind her dark eyes. She eluded any man who showed any interest. Once or twice she'd forced herself to stay calm; that every man who touched her wasn't Joshua, but nevertheless, they became him in her mind's eye. Theta always ended up running away; so she'd shut every romantic notion out. It just wasn't in the cards; for the longest time it had been one more thing Joshua had robbed.
But even as Jack leaned closer, he remained Jack. The striking shade of his eyes, the alluring curve of his lips, it was all him. His warm blue gaze was not replaced with a cold gray one; his closeness was welcoming, instead of suffocating. Instead of fear, something else churned within her, and Theta's dark eyes took on that smoldering look again of liquified copper. Her eyes dropped to his lips just as he leaned close to kiss her; the feel of his hand against her waist, pulling her closer, roused something in Theta -- something she couldn't say she'd felt before.
At his gentle push, she leaned back, her arms circling his neck, drawing him closer. The brush of his lips was intoxicating, and Theta was breathless beneath him when Jack pulled back. She lay her head back, watching him with that same smoldering intensity, her arms allowing him to retreat when he finally pulled away -- she was silent, though, her eyes following him as he moved across the room. The feelings that riddled her were foreign and pleasant, but Theta sat up -- collecting herself.
She eyed the sheets he'd gathered, and nearly laughed quietly to herself. Her lips had curved up in a small smile, despite her best efforts. They had slept on the same bed before . . . when Jack had been in the hospital. It wouldn't have bothered her to do that again, but the thought had sudden heart flushing across her cheeks. Things had been different then -- if the way they'd just been positioned had anything to say about that. Theta could still feel his hand against the small of her back, the gravitating pull of his body as it hovered over her's, and part of her longed for him to return to her.
Deciding it was best to occupy herself, Theta stood and approached Jack, nodding towards the sheets -- she had just assumed she would be the one sleeping out here, it was his home after all. And considering she'd never been in this situation before, well, that was just how her mind predicted what was going to happen. The only other experience Theta had with men had been Joshua; and if he'd been anything, it certainly hadn't been a chivalrous gentleman. "Where do you want me?"
I was lost until you found me.
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Jack Carrington
Capricorn ♑
Posts: 114
Age: Twenty-seven
Occupation: Lawyer
♡ Status: In a Relationship
OOC: Kassie
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Post by Jack Carrington on Jul 8, 2013 19:21:48 GMT
Jack glanced over his shoulder at Theta as removed a final sheet from the closet. Turning, he closed the door with a gentle smirk, almost as though she had been teasing. Had Theta not assumed she would receive the most comfortable accommodations? Then, Jack recalled that Theta had never exactly been given appropriate treatment before. As Jack approached the divan, he rested the folded bedding and pillow where he had been just moments ago, looming over Theta. One line had been crossed that night, a second crossing would simply not happen. Jack refused to become no better than the men on only floors below, who tucked those women away for a night, seeking their own benefit.
Theta meant much more to him than that.
Jack turned to her once again, nodding in the direction of the french doors that led to his bedroom. “I had hoped you would be comfortable in my bed.” He smiled. Jack watched her for a moment before turning to the sheets once again. He pulled a sheet from the center of the pile, and began to unfold it. “I’ll wake you in the morning for breakfast. The storm will have passed, and I can escort you home thereafter - if I may.” Jack tucked the sheets into the cushions, and placed the pillow at the head of the divan. “Of course, I’ll be right here, should you need anything before morning.” Jack smiled once more.
It was strange that the lights had yet to come back on, but Jack’s eyes had adjusted. He gestured with his hand to the bedroom, offering Theta his arm. After she accepted, Jack headed for the french doors that divided his bedroom and the hall. As they pushed through the doors, Jack’s eyes fell to the gowns that he had laid out for Theta earlier, lingering on the space where Charlotte’s nightgown was missing. He turned his head, allowing his gaze eyes to observe that very gown on Theta. He smiled softly, but the smile was not quite as full of the happiness it was meant to portray. Jack made a mental note to purchase Theta a gown that was her own, and put Charlotte’s away.
Jack left Theta at the door, pulling the bedspread back. Realistically, the bed could fit nearly three people. He fluffed the pillows and flattened the sheets before turning to Theta with a pleased grin. “Promise to wake me if you need anything at all.” He walked in her direction, his hands folded neatly before him. He placed both hands on either side of her arms, gently pulling her closer as he planted a soft kiss atop her forehead. “Can I get you anything before you sleep, my darling?” And now I come to you with open arms.
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THETA STONE
Aries ♈
Posts: 67
Age: 22
Occupation: Law Student/Intern
♡ Status: In a Relationship
OOC: Sky
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Post by THETA STONE on Jul 8, 2013 19:50:13 GMT
Theta studied Jack as her question hung in the air; without thinking much of it, she'd drifted after him, intending to help with the sheets. She paused at his nod, a small smile crossing her face as understanding settled over her dark eyes. "Oh," she murmured, gaze settling on the sheets; it shouldn't have been hard to put together, that was just the way Jack was, and like always his gentle concern warmed her.
She nearly forgot herself in the moment and smoothed over the sheets, wordlessly helping. It was the least she could do. She listened to his plans for her for the morning and nodded, her expression warm as she glanced up at him. Theta wasn't sure how well she'd sleep, considering all that had happened; her mind and heart were so full they were bound to leave her awake for a few hours yet.
Home. The moment Jack said it a thoughtful look crossed the young woman's expression. No doubt her apartment was black right now as well; eerie and empty with all of her things collected into boxes. She'd yet to actually find a new apartment, but she was eager to be gone. Distantly, she thought of all the unusual things that had been going on, but quickly brushed them aside -- running a hand through her dark, still-damp hair, and instead took Jack's offered arm, returning his smile with one of her own.
Something told her that she was tired, and the sight of a bed stirred that fact. The pillows were a tempting sight as Theta released Jack's arm and wandered deeper into the room. The bed was massive; she could easily imagine get lost in all the sheets and blankets -- she'd never slept in anything so luxurious.
Theta's dark gaze flicked to Jack as he approached her again, her lips curving into that effortless smile. She nodded in agreement, allowing him to pull her close, where she rested her hands lightly against his chest.
“Can I get you anything before you sleep, my darling?”
Theta shook her head; everything was perfect, and she was grateful. "No, but thank you," she said softly. Theta allowed her dark gaze to linger on him for a moment before she stood up a little taller on her toes to reach him -- lightly and sweetly brushing her lips against his, only for a moment, before she fell back to earth. "Good night."
I was lost until you found me.
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Jack Carrington
Capricorn ♑
Posts: 114
Age: Twenty-seven
Occupation: Lawyer
♡ Status: In a Relationship
OOC: Kassie
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Post by Jack Carrington on Jul 8, 2013 23:29:14 GMT
Jack was still as Theta’s lips brushed his own, absorbing their affectionate caress. As he watched her pull away, a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Jack felt lighter, younger, than he had felt in so long. Theta’s presence reminded him that there was, indeed, love to be had. While it similarly put him in mind of the consequences should they be caught, Jack would look past it. It was almost pitiful that he and Theta would be judged for their partnership, but Jack did not raise complaint. He found it best to silently accept it for what it was, and move on. “Goodnight, darling.”
Jack watched Theta turn away from him, and he took his leave only seconds after. He left her be in his private sanctuary, closing the doors behind him. Jack paused for a moment, his hands lingering on the door. Allowing his eyes to fall shut, he heaved a gentle sigh. The night had taken more than energy from him; it had lifted something from him. The feeling was more than welcome, despite the churning concern of Theta’s future. It were as though Jack were handing her the world, but in the form of dangling it from frayed thread. It didn’t seem quite fair.
All the same, neither did the alternative.
Jack left the doors, rubbing his eyes as he approached the divan once more. He ran his hand across the scarlet velvet, eyeing the sleeping arrangement below. Jack could feel the weight of sleep calling to him, and even the small accommodations called to him at that moment. Sliding into the sheets, Jack’s head fell back onto the pillow, and he immersed himself into the luxurious arms of slumber. A soft breath escaped his lips at the relief of the night, the relief of having expressed his feelings, though he knew difficulties were far from over. In fact, they had only worsened.
However, Jack allowed those worries to - yet again - be pushed away for another time. Another day. Another night, when the feather pillow beneath him wasn’t so inviting. And now I come to you with open arms.
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