The Glass Isles Safe Havens No Credit, No Fear
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 10 2010, 02:07 AM
Traverse town. The town of everlasting night, what a dump. Alas, for all the travelers that came through here, it seemed that only a handful ever left. it was cozy enough, true. but the brown-haired young man with the black leather gloves and the brown leather riding coat wasn't looking for cozy. He needed a way to get home.
Marley sat on the low wall in front of the items shop. In all his possession...was a single Munny., the clothes on his back, and no plans whatsoever on how to get back.
"Well...this sucks..." he uttered to no one in particular.
CAUTION! THIS RP NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART OR SMALL CHILDREN OR DOGS..SOME CHIMPS AND YAOI CRAZED FANGIRLS (AND BOYS) ARE WELCOME TO PUSH ON AHEAD!
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 10 2010, 02:14 AM
Another young brunet man, dressed all in black, walked over to the first and sat down without comment. He knew the code. A normal person would ask, Can I sit here? The other person would say, Yes. Best to just skip that.
He looked over at the other man at his outburst. "What sucks?" he asked, curious but not compassionate.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 10 2010, 02:40 AM
Marley looked up as though noticing the other person for the first time. "I need to get home, but i only have a single munny on me." he sighed. Normally this kind of thing wouldn't even phase him, but today was different.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 10 2010, 02:45 AM
The other man nodded acknowledging the other had spoken but saying nothing. After a few moments he broke the silence saying, "My wagon's got room for one more. Mama's staying the week in a hotel, won't miss any of us. I've wanted to go somewhere and taking you home might be just the ticket. How's your driving?"
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 10 2010, 08:01 AM
"my driving?" Marley asked, he'd never been asked to drive a wagon before. he thought on it for a second and said finally, "I can drive, but I've never done a wagon before." he replied.
"Why do you ask?" he inquired.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 10 2010, 09:37 AM
"You can't be worse than me, then. Let's go," said the other brunet. "We'll all have a turn riding her," he said to answer the first man's question and referring to the wagon, "so we'll drive in shifts. You're up first since you know where your home is." He stepped down off the wall and held out his hand to help the other dismount.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 10 2010, 12:48 PM
Marley blushed as he took the other man's hand and hopped down. "just so you know...I live kind of...far away." he decided to look away as he said this.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 10 2010, 01:15 PM
"Then I guess it' a good thing we're not walking," said the other, releasing the first's hand. "My name is Sharuka. You can call me Shar if you wish." He began walking toward the wagon that was his home.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 10 2010, 01:28 PM
Marley followed casually, keeping step and trying to not let his recent outburst slow him down any.
"I'm Marley. So what kind of wagon are we talking here? something..like..." he trailed off as he saw what he would be riding in.
"woah..." was the only word he could muster up. "You know, when I heard wagon, I thought 'horse drawn cart full of hay'." he said finally.
"not that I'm complaining, of course." he stammered out.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 10 2010, 01:35 PM
"A gypsy wagon," clarified Sharuka. "My siblings are inside. We have everything we need to live here."
He swung the door open and stepped in, reaching down and offering his hand to help Marley up.
"Marley, huh?" he said. "Reminds me of one of those Grim Reaper-looking guys trying to take over the world years back."
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 10 2010, 01:47 PM
Marley extended a shaky hand and gripped Shar's. his face felt hot every time something like this happened, which was surprisingly often. he decided to distract himself from the near skin to skin contact with a question.
"I don't remember any grim reaper looking guys..."he started, but then again, he had been living most of his life either in an orphanage, or in the mansion, so he was a bit out of touch with current events.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 10 2010, 02:15 PM
"You wouldn't. It's been ages. They went around with black hooded cloaks. One of them had a name that was Mar-something-or-other. I can't remember. It sounded like Marley, though," chattered Sharuka, not noticing Marley's red face.
"I'm home," he announced needlessly. "Muriel? Thai Soo, meet Marley. We'll be his guard on his way home."
Muriel hurried forward, wiping her hands on her apron, fixing her hair, holding out her hand. "I was just making goulash," she said, red and breathless. "Will you have some before we leave? You'll get it all over if you try to eat it while we drive."
"He's taking the first turn," said Sharuka, "so yes," he turned to Marley, "you'd better eat it before we go. It's probably not what you're used too but it's palatable." he went in the back of the wagon to retrieve a bowl for himself and one for Marley.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 10 2010, 03:05 PM
Marley nodded, "i'd love some, thank you." he graciously accepted their offer while trying his best to mind his manners, he shook Muriel's hand with a proper vigor.
"So, how far are you guys going anyway? he asked after swallowing some food.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 10 2010, 03:16 PM
"We're going as far as you want to go," said Sharuka. "This wagon is our home. We're gypsies."
"We're not /gypsies,/" argued Muriel. "He always says that. We're not con artists or thieves. We just live off the land."
"Not all gypsies are con artists or thieves," said Sharuka mildly. "What would you call us, then?"
"I wouldn't put a name to it," sniffed Muriel.
"I'd call us nomads," said Thai Soo in his soothing voice.
Sharuka shook his head, smiled, and drank some of his goulash. "To-MAY-to, to-MAH-to," he said.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 10 2010, 03:32 PM
Marley felt stupid for asking. in fact, he felt very stupid. "Um...you ever heard of Twilight Town?" he spoke up finally, wanting to avoid any misunderstandings.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 10 2010, 03:35 PM
"No," said Sharuka. "I don't pay much attention to town names since we can live just about anywhere." His goulash finished, he took both his bowl and Marley's to the back and put them in the sink. "By the way, there's not enough room in the wagon for four beds, so you'll have to share mine," he called to the front. "If that doesn't work for you, I'll take over driving when you want to sleep or sleep on the floor."
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 10 2010, 04:54 PM
Marley stammered out that the floor would be fine, though the tightness in his trousers (which he tried his best to deny and ignore) and the bright red shade of his face betrayed his conscious train of thought.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 10 2010, 04:56 PM
Sharuka shook his head. "We don't allow guests to take the floor. That's a rule here," he said, oblivious to the reaction he was causing in Marley. He took Marley through a quick tour, ending with the steering device. "It's improvised but it works so far," he said. "Call me if things get too out of hand."
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 10 2010, 05:05 PM
"Uhhuh..." Was all Marley could muster. inside his mind, a war was being raged between two different sides of his ego.
What would his "Father" say if he saw Marley now? tripping over himself for another guy? but then there was what he wanted, which was for him and his brother to be free, and for him to find someone. He wasn't sure about this guy, either. was he really flirting with Marley?
He couldn't allow such thoughts at a time like now, his bodily urges would have to wait.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 10 2010, 05:16 PM
"We'll figure it out after your shift," said Sharuka easily, guiding Marley to the "wheel." It could drive with about 10 horsepower, had been made by Sharuka and Thai Soo, and had been running for about 12 years without any problems. "It runs on a substance made from egg yolks," Sharuka explained, "so we don't eat eggs here. Muriel here dances for munny in travelling shows, we excchang the munny for cocks and hens, and we live off their meat and whatever canned food we can garner. Thai Soo builds things in exchange for canned food. Muriel likes to expermint with food... be careful. Her goulash is palatable but she's come up with some...interesting concotions."
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 10 2010, 08:00 PM
"Uh...wha...nevermind, I can do this. It's a lot like the setup for my ride back home." he blundered out, his face a deep red at the mention of roosters.
"Thanks for the info, I'll keep it in mind." He uttered, eager to finally get on the road and clear his head.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 10 2010, 08:21 PM
Sharuka nodded and left Marley to it. As he passed Muriel, she sniggered, "I think he likes you." Oblivious to the connotation of the word, Sharuka shrugged. "That's best if we're travelling together."
He went to the very back, his room with his little beehive, and made to collect wax and honey. Slow movements. Calmness. This was soothing. Maybe he'd bring some honey on toast out later, give Muriel a break from cooking.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 10 2010, 08:40 PM
Marley took a few deep breaths and tried his best to think of dead puppies, spiders, anything to get rid of the tent in his jeans. there was no way he was getting warm over another guy...it couldn't happen, right?
Marley's gloves were still on, but he thought secretly about taking them off to give his hands some air. the leather gloves seemed a bit warmer and more humid than usual.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 10 2010, 08:46 PM
When Sharuka was done harvesting, he went to his brother's "room." "We need more plants for the bees to pollinate," he announced, somewhat loudly over the noise of the wheels. "They aren't producing as much sweet sauce as usual," he said, referring to the honey. Thai Soo grunted, which Sharuka took as a sign of acknowledgement.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 10 2010, 08:58 PM
Marley nearly swerved the wagon off the road, but managed to keep it to as minimal as he could. of course. he thought. what was I thinking? he scolded himself severely.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 10 2010, 09:10 PM
Sharuka felt the swerve and did his best to soothe the bees, who were now swarming angrily around his room. He got a couple of stings though before he succeeded.
"Is the water heater on?" he asked. Thai Soo grunted again. "I'll be in the shower. The bees were startled," he explained.
The water had been running for less than five minutes when Sharuka ran out to the front room to grab a towel and a bar of soap. He always seemed to forget that. Smiling apologetically at his guest in the rearview mirror, he dashed back into the shower.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 10 2010, 09:26 PM
Marley tried to ignore what he had just seen. He tried to think it was a trick of the light. but it was too vivid. too...there.
'Calm down Marley, calm down.." He tried to talk himself out of it. he was getting warm again. and he was almost certain there was an orgy going on in the back.
what will happen when my shift's over? he thought, his eyes widening.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 10 2010, 09:33 PM
Sharuka came out of the shower half an hour later, closing the door so he wouldn't steam up the place, with only a towel wraped around his middle, his hair and the rest of him dripping wet. He used a second towel to fluff his hair that he was very vain about and disappeared in the very back looking for something to wear.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 10 2010, 10:17 PM
Marley, unfortunately, was concentrating on his driving. he was unaware of what was going on behind him. suddenly, he stopped the wagon. "Okay, I'm lost." he said finally with a sigh.
spotting a small, white fluffy creature floating by the side of the road, Marley waved it down.
"Excuse me, do you know where we are?" He asked. the creature cocked its head sideways at him. was he actually expecting it to respond? he must have been more out of it than he thought.
Suddenly, to his surprise, the tiny creature spoke in a high-pitched voice.
"Hollow Bastion, Kupo!" the funny little animal then continued on it's drifty way, bobbing up and down in the air along the side of the road.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 10 2010, 10:21 PM
Sharuka came out at the stop, wearing a women's corset and thong and nothing else. He was curious as to why they'd stopped, but thought he'd take the time to bring everyone some honeybread on a platter.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 10 2010, 10:31 PM
Marley caught one look at Shar, did a double take and busied himself with staring into his lap. which again, turned out to be a mistake, as it only reminded him of his inner conflict. his face went as red as a ripe tomato. "I think I need to stretch my uh...legs. Anyone care to join me?" he asked, more as a gesture f politeness then as an actual invitation. not that anyone besides his brother would be able to tell.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 10 2010, 10:42 PM
"Need a hand with that?" asked Thai Soo, standing up lazily and tossing aside his book. Muriel elbowed him.
"What?"
"If he needs a hand, let Shar give it to him," said Muriel pointedly.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 10 2010, 10:52 PM
It took Marley a couple seconds to make the connection. He didn't have anything that needed a hand...except...
it was then that he noticed he was showing. quite obviously. making a great show of turning around and hopping off of the wagon, he made his shaky way forward.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 10 2010, 10:55 PM
Shar decided he could use some fresh air too. He dismounted, stretching, and walked silently behind Marley.
"We don't get company often," he said, "and Muriel tends to drive away the company we do have. Pay her no mind. I brought your honey toast out for you." He proffered the plate.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 11 2010, 02:32 PM
"Umm..thanks." Marley said, still trying not to look directly at Shar, but catching the occasional glance as he crunched on his honey toast.
"Do you usually, uh...go out like this?" Marley asked, deciding for the first time to look at Shar purposely.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 11 2010, 11:51 PM
"I go out in whatever I'm wearing at the time," said Shar innocently. "I can go back in and put on slacks if you'd prefer. You seem uncomfortable."
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 12 2010, 09:10 PM
Marley went red and shook his head vigorously, as he feared that steam would eventually come out of his ears.
"No, I'm fine. besides, I wouldn't want you to go that far back on my account." he smiled.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 12 2010, 09:18 PM
Shar nodded his acknowledgement. "Do you know where your home is from here?" he asked, setting the platter down gracefully. It had been a long time since he'd met someone he liked. Most people were only good for whatever they could offer him.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 12 2010, 09:37 PM
Marley shook his head, his face still flushed like an overripe tomato.
"No, I'm afraid not. This is a different town from where I live." he said slowly.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 12 2010, 09:54 PM
Shar bit his lip to keep from sighing. "I know," he said. "I heard the creature talking. I was asking if you knew where Twilight Town was from where we /currently/ are. I suppose that's a no."
Shar walked slowly ahead of Marley. This place was desolate. A ghost town. But it wasn't altoghether a bad place to rest. "Thai Soo might know," he said, half to himself. "How soon did you want to arrive?"
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 12 2010, 10:13 PM
Marley sighed and placed his hands behind his head. "You know...I'm in for it anyway. I don't care how long it takes." Marley was doing his best to keep his eyes skyward, and not stare at the other man's body displayed out there like a...
NO! he couldn't think like that...not now, not ever. He however was unaware that his face had gotten even more warm than usual.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 12 2010, 10:17 PM
Shar noticed it when he turned around, though he didn't know what it was about.
"I don't think this warmth and humidity agrees with you," he said, walking up to Marley and placing a cool hand on his cheek. "You're so red. Does this hurt? You might be sun-burned."
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 12 2010, 10:35 PM
Marley felt himself stiffen from head to toe. His heart fluttered like the wings of so many butterflies. He looked Shar in the eyes, hoping that he would understand what he couldn't possibly say.
"No, It doesn't." he uttered out, taking a gloved hand and unconsciously Placed it on Shar's hip. realizing what he had done, he withdrew it suddenly, turning around so that Shar wouldn't see his face. which was starting to glow, or at least that's what Marley felt.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 13 2010, 12:24 AM
"You're so red," said Shar, uncharacteristically concerned. "Should I get you an ice pack?" This person was acting very strangely, but Shar thought that might just be how Twilight Towners were.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 13 2010, 12:39 AM
Marley chuckled, turning around again to see Shar.
"No, I'm not sunburned..." he said shyly. How to get him to understand without saying it outright?
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 13 2010, 12:46 AM
Shar was both relieved and confused. Relievved, because Marley wasn't sunburned, but confused- why else whhy he be red?
"Is ther anything I can do?"he asked helplessly.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 13 2010, 12:50 AM
"ummmm..." Marley stiffened again. he could think of several things this shockingly handsome brunette could do for him, but none would be polite to say alo-
He stopped his train of thought there. disparate to get a hold of himself.
"I could use a shower, now that I think of it." He said slowly, he definitely could, though not for cleanliness.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 13 2010, 12:57 AM
"The water heater isn't at its best lately," apologised Sharuka. "And the showerhead is faulty... you might need some help. If I may?" he asked, all good intentions and bright eyes.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 13 2010, 01:00 AM
"Ummm...sure." Marley agreed, thinking that no harm could come of a little help with the head. he secretly wished for a very different kind of help, but that would have to wait...forever. There was no way he would give into his base instincts like this.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 13 2010, 01:06 AM
Shar led him back inside, to the bathroom, taking off his corset and panties before running the showerhead. "It's a bit cosy in here," he apologised. "I'll try to get some hot water, but I make no promises"
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 13 2010, 01:13 AM
Marley took a second to drink in the statuesque build of his newfound...something or other. He was something alright, but Marley couldn't decide what. He realized he'd been staring a bit too long after he felt his heart become less fluttery and more like a raging torrent.
"Umm...it's okay...the temperature's not that important." Marley said, trying to gulp down a lump in his throat. up until this point, he had been winning against the other side, but now, something was calling him towards the beautiful young man.
"You seem kind of sweaty from the walk. Want to join me? it would cut down on water usage and what not..." he trailed off, not knowing if he had just made an extreme fool of himself or not.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 13 2010, 01:20 AM
"I've had my shower," said Shar, preoccupied with the faucet, "but I would have to get in anyway to help you. Otherwise, I ah, wouldn't have stripped." He held out a hand to help Marley into th structire.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 13 2010, 01:27 AM
Marley took Shar's hand, again relishing the near skin to skin contact, then he thought, screw it, I'm gonna have to take 'em off anyway... So he let go for a second and stripped off his gloves first, revealing his nails to be filed into points, creating clawlike appendages.
Without asking if there was a place to hang his clothes, he took off his shirt and jacket. Then his shoes and socks, then, without hesitating, he peeled off the bottom half of his ensemble with expert speed. the one thing he was embarrassed about Shar seeing was the one thing he couldn't hide, no matter how hard he tried.
"Alright, any towels?" he asked, eager to cover up.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 13 2010, 01:42 AM
Shar blinked at Marley. Cute, but not too bright. "Not inside the shower," he said, guiding Marley into the shower and gently running the showerhead over him, close to his body because he believed the water was most effective that way, then running the soap onto Marley's exposed skin. "How's that?" he asked.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 13 2010, 10:11 AM
Marley had to grit his teeth against the tingling sensation that ran through his body. "Perfect." He said with a sigh. he had never felt more free, more alive, or more vulnerable. If his "Father" were to come in on him now, all hell would break loose. in the back on his mind, he feared it, but his logical half knew it was impossible.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 13 2010, 02:15 PM
"I'll be right back," said Shar. He walked out with a towel at his waist and located Thai Soo.
"Thai Soo, do you know of a place called Twilight Town?" Thai Soo grunted. "Do you know where it is from here?"
Thai Soo said nothing this time, but walked up to the front of the caravan and took the wheel. Shar took that as a yes and went back to the shower to continue helping Marley. The water had been slightly warmer than he'd expected, and he calculated that it would stay at about room temperature...but just in case, he didn't want there to be an accident in case of a sudden change of temperatere. He couldn't afford to replace anything.
Without announcing his arrival, he took off the towel around his waist and slipped back into the tub, continuing to lather the otherman.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 13 2010, 05:08 PM
Marley was more than a little disappointed at Shar's sudden disappearance, but that turned to confusion as he returned and started to lather him up again.
"Not that I'm ungrateful or anything, but what was that about?" He asked.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 13 2010, 06:31 PM
Shar smiled and continued rubbing soap onto Marley's body. "I was finding out if Thai Soo knew where Twilight Town was from here. He decided to take the wheel, so we're back on the road. I like to keep moving whenever possible, in case of trouble. A moving target's hard to hit."
He poured some liquid into his hands and began to lather Marley's hair.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 13 2010, 07:19 PM
Marley stiffened at Shar's touch, the tension within him reaching a palpable pressure. Hadn't this always been what he'd secretly wanted? Everything he couldn't allow himself before was now literally at his fingertips. What was the hold up? What was he waiting for?
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 13 2010, 07:24 PM
Shar massaged the shampoo in, then dropped his hands to rub Marley's shoulders. "You're so tense," he murmured. "Does travel disagree with you?"
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 13 2010, 07:27 PM
Marley sighed, his skin was on fire. "No, I love it. I just never get to..experience it." He smiled. He figured he wouldn't ruin the moment, he would enjoy it while it lasted. This was the life.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 13 2010, 07:38 PM
Shar was confused but chose not to say anything, opting for a joke instead. "Don't get too used to this," he said, moving around to face Marley and wash his chest, "When the water heater starts working again I won't be in here to wait on you and you're going to have to bathe-" The caravan suddenly thumped over something, sending Shar toppling into Marley.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 13 2010, 07:54 PM
Marley went simultaneously redder than the deepest shade of crimson on earth. If anyone saw his face, they would have to invent a new color for it, and call it simply, "Marley".
His heart was a jackhammer now, he didn't care that it could have been an accident, he didn't care about his father, his responsibilities at home, none of those mattered to him at the moment.
Then he realized he was digging into Shar's hip, but his hands had flown behind him to break his fall.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 13 2010, 08:13 PM
Shar was now on his hands and knees on top of Marley. He cursed Thai Soo for making him loose his balance. He stood, bending down and holding out a hand to help Marley up.
"Are you all right?" he asked. "I'm sorry I landed on you."
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 13 2010, 08:16 PM
Marley took Shar's hand and shakily stood up. he mouthed a word, but it was barely audible.
"It's okay." he said simply, cursing himself for not being more smooth.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 13 2010, 08:19 PM
"I've got you," said Shar, tightening his grip and accidentally pulling Marley against him. Oops. This wasn't one of his better days; being a former ballerina, he was usually more graceful.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 13 2010, 08:28 PM
Now's your chance! Marley thought to himself, taking a shaky hand and placing it on the other man's back, suddenly, it was like all the tension that had built up was dissipating. he suddenly felt cold, not unlike the feeling one gets from plunging into a pool after longing in the jacuzzi. Or the feeling one gets from being dropped out of an airplane.
Realizing there was no way back, he placed the other arm around Shar.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 13 2010, 08:59 PM
Shar blinked in surprise. Was Marley hugging him or holding onto him for balance? He put a supportive arm around the other man and sat down on the triangular seat in the corner of the tub, pulling Marley into his lap. The seat wasn't big enough for two.
"I hope Thai Soo doesn't make the caravvan lurch again," he joked, "or you'll be thrown to your knees with me riding your back."
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 13 2010, 09:03 PM
"Well, we wouldn't want that to happen would we?" he asked, somewhat playfully. he wasn't sure if Shar was rejecting him or not, but he had been stiff in...areas...for a while. from this perspective it would be difficult for Shar to not notice. The warmth in his face returned with a vengeance as Marley secretly wished he ahd heard the single word he had muttered earlier...
"tease"
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 13 2010, 09:14 PM
"Not unless I'm the one making it happen," remarked Shar casually. He had picked up on what Marley had said earlier- life on the road had a tendency to hone one's senses- but had chosen not to comment. He could have misheard anyway and didn't want to embarrass himself in case Marley had said something like "teeth" or "keys."
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 13 2010, 09:21 PM
Marley gulped. This was better than he'd hoped. almost too good. He deicided to ease into Shar, shifting his weight slightly into a more enjoyable position.
He smiled. the small, resilient part of his mind that his "Father" had tried to brainwash was now screaming at him that he needed to get a grip on himself. It made him chuckle audibly. There was something else he'd like to get a grip on...
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 13 2010, 09:24 PM
Shar bit his lip to keep from reacting to the shift. He could be interpreting it wrong. So he decided to ask.
"Tell me what's on your mind," he said softly, not wanting Muriel to overhear.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 13 2010, 09:30 PM
Marley was taken aback. no one had ever asked him that before.
But he knew exactly what his answer was going to be.
"I...I...Want to..." he went red again, and uttered a few words under his breath.
"I really hope you heard that..." he said just audibly, his voice dry and hoarse.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 13 2010, 09:49 PM
Shar thought about this. On one hand, he hadn't ever had a male lover. It might be interesting. On the other hand, if this guy got too attached to him, it would be bad. For Marley, because while Shar was loyal to his family, he'd never attached himself to another person. Then again, maybe this would be different. He was more interested in this Marley than he'd been in anyone else, so maybe it was worth a shot. He nodded his agreement.
"But I won't be held responsible for any attachment on your part that may come of this," he warned. Best there be no illusions.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 14 2010, 03:48 PM
Too late... He thought to himself, but he nodded nonetheless, his face going a shade lighter than before.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 14 2010, 03:53 PM
Shar was unsure of what to do. He'd never done this sort of thing before, not with a man anyway, and he hardly thought it was similair to sleeping with a woman.
Before he could figure it out, though, Muriel knocked loudly on the dorr. "Are you boys going to quit whispering sweet nothings to each other long enough to let a lady use the piss pot?" she demanded.
Shar kicked at the door. Damn Muriel! Why did she have to ruin everything for him?
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 14 2010, 03:59 PM
Marley coughed and decided now would be a good time to go get his clothes on. he rinsed off quickly and slipped into his garments.
"I'm..." He started, but then shoook his head. it was stupid to think he could get away with this. She knew. Of course. If she told his "Father" it would be back to the streets for him, but his brother wouldn't be so lucky.
he stumbled out of the bathroom, barely taking the time to utter an appology to Muriel, whom he almost knocked over, and he made his way to sit down somewhere.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 14 2010, 04:06 PM
Shar gave Muriel a look as he followed Marley out, then escorted the man to his room.
"She didn't mean anything by it, she always makes stupid comments like that when I have company," he said, locking the door behind them and pressing Marley down onto the bed. "How do you want it? I'll be generous this one time and let you choose."
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 14 2010, 11:26 PM
Marleys eyes darted to the side, then he pushed Shar off and sat up, and buried his head in his hands.
"He was right. about everything...I took too much of a risk..." He panted, the voice in his head that, until now, had been quieted had chosen now to speak up with a resounding 'I told you so!'
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 14 2010, 11:28 PM
Shar unstraddled Marley and sat beside him, putting a friendly arm around him. "Who was right?" he asked. "What's wrong?"
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 14 2010, 11:40 PM
Marley smiled. "My father...he always told me never to gamble more than I could afford to lose. now I'm screwed. even if we don't...there's no way I can just hide it now. He'll find out sooner or later, and then Keil will die, and I'll be unable to protect him."
He caught Shar's eye and smiled. "That's my brother." he clarified.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 14 2010, 11:42 PM
Shar was confused. Marley had a secret, he gathered, was gambling something, and his brother was in danger.
"Do you want to rescue your brother?" he asked.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 15 2010, 12:00 AM
Marley laughed. "It's not that easy. I would tell you, but I think you'll understand better if I show you when we get there."
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 15 2010, 12:29 AM
Shar nodded. That was fair enough. "I'm sleepy," he announced, laying back on his bed, wihch was big enough for two. "You can stay and sleep, or do whatever you want. Just be careful of my bees. They're sensitive." He closed his eyes.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 15 2010, 02:18 PM
Marley nodded and decided no harm could come of sleeping in the same bed, so he accepted
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 15 2010, 02:57 PM
Pound! Pound! Pound!
Shar groaned and rolled over, pulling his pillow over his head. It was too early in the morning for this.
"Get up! We're here!" shouted Muriel through the door. "We're in Twilight Town! Now get out of bed!"
Shar knocked his head back against the wall. Ah, the dulcet tones he heard upon awakening. Eff his life.
"I'm up, I'm up," he mumbled, then shook Marley awake.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 15 2010, 07:21 PM
Marley had been having the most wonderful dream...he was free, on the road with a handsome young man..
he opened his eyes to see that his dream wasn't all an illusion, but then he remembered it wasn't all reality either.
"I guess I should go now...Do you want to come in and meet him? I can get you some decent food, or a cup of tea or coffee at least..." he offered, climbing out of bed towards the door.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 15 2010, 07:25 PM
"Let me get some clothes on first," laughed Shar. He poured himself into a pair of tight leather jeans and put on a muscle tee, both black. "I'm curious to see what your home life is like," he admitted, following Marley out.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 15 2010, 08:42 PM
Marley went red again. "well, it's nothing like here, that's for sure..." he mumbled. as he hopped out of the wagon, he pointed to an old, ivy covered mansion.
"that's the mansion..." he sighed, almost as though he were saddened to be back.
he opened the over sized doors slowly and peered inside. Nobody there. He was probably in the office.
Marley made his way into the hallway, tensing up, and he knocked on the door to his "Father's" office.
"Come in!" An agitated male voice responded. it was an order, not an invitation.
Marley made his way inside, and there, at the desk sat an old balding man in a black suit with a stack of paperwork on the desk before him. Sitting next to him, was a blonde boy, about 15, with his hair tied behind his head. He wore a clean, handsome set of black dress clothes and stared into his lap with a very forlorn grimace. he only glanced up to look at Marley.
the most odd thing was that he was wearing a white harness around his torso that had a leash leading around the old man's wrist.
"what the hell took you? Huh! I thought I sent you out yesterday to close a business deal with my associate in Traverse Town! You are NEVER going to follow in my footsteps if..." His face went red with rage. then he noticed he had guests.
"Oh, Hello there. Welcome. Sorry you had to see that, Can I get you something? I am, after all, your host while you're here." The old man launched a homicidal glance at Marley that seemed to mean something to him.
"Let me do it, father." Marley rattled off a line expertly, making it seem like he sincerely meant it.
"Would you like some tea, coffee? food?" He asked his guests,
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 15 2010, 08:45 PM
"Thank you, no," Sharuka declined politely. He strode over to the old man. "My name is Sharuka Hatman," he said. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance." His smile and movements came gracefully and easily from a lifetime on stage. No one outside his family would be able to sense his tension: He'd immediately sized up the master/slave relationship between Marley and this old man.
"You must be Marley's father," he said, all charm, "and who is this young man?"
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 15 2010, 08:58 PM
"I am Gregorio Yamato. This is my son Keil, and you've already met Marley, I assume." His voice was a gruff growl as he stood and extended his hand, a gesture well perfected by a lifetime of business.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 15 2010, 09:02 PM
Shar pumped Mr. Yamato's hand vigorously. "Yes, sir," he said politely. "He's a good man. He managed to stomach my sister's goulash," he joked good-naturedly. "What business are you in, sir?" he asked, establishing contact.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 16 2010, 01:51 PM
"Are you familiar with gummi ships Mr Hatman?" he asked, sitting down and gesturing to the seat in front of the desk for Shar to sit in.
"I run a company that specializes in building parts for them." Mr. Yamato explained, leaving Marley to stand.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 16 2010, 01:55 PM
"No sir," said Sharuka, "But it sounds prestigious. My family uses an old caravan. It gets us from A to B."
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 16 2010, 02:46 PM
"I suppose you could say that. Gummi ships are the single most reliable way to move from one place to another. I've been looking to retire, though. And I need to leave the company in worthy hands. Marley is the only one I can even remotely trust." Mr. Yamato said, casting a glance over at Marley.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 16 2010, 02:54 PM
"You would never be interested in taking on an apprentice, would you?" asked Sharuka. He was, as usual, curious: This had to be more interesting than making hats for a living.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 16 2010, 03:07 PM
Mr. Yamato raised an eyebrow, Marley went pale. "Why, yes, I think I just now got an opening, Mr. Hatman, if you're interested." He said, shooting a disapproving glare at Marley. Keil, who had been completely silent, had looked up at Shar and then to his "Father."
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 16 2010, 03:10 PM
"Excellent," smiled Shar. "Am I permitted to hire an assistant?" Though not a businessman by trade- he sold his hats at travelling shows and barely bothered to haggle with the customers- he'd seen enough business go down to know the basics.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 16 2010, 03:20 PM
Mr. Yamato thought for a moment, then nodded. "Very well." he simply stated.
"Who did you have in mind?" He asked.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 16 2010, 04:19 PM
"My sister, Muriel, though brash in personality, is an excellent bookkeeper and ... an interesting cook. Or my brother, Thai Soo, is discreet and obliging, good with mechanics, but a terrible spendthrift."
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 16 2010, 04:20 PM
"My sister, Muriel, though brash in personality, is an excellent bookkeeper and ... an interesting cook. Or my brother, Thai Soo, is discreet and obliging, good with mechanics, but a terrible spendthrift. Whom would you prefer to have on board this austere establishment?"
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 16 2010, 04:37 PM
Mr. Yamato laughed, standing up, and extending his hand again. "bring your sister in here, we'll see what's what." And with that, he blew past Marley, dragging Keil with him.
Marley knew he had been abandoned. his only hope now was to get going with his brother before the inevitable.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 16 2010, 04:41 PM
As Sharuka passed Marley, he whispered, so quietly only Marley could hear, "I have a plan."
He went out to fetch Muriel. "You're working for me now, loudmouth," he said. "Accounting. Marley's father took me on as an apprentice."
Muriel followed Sharuka inside, giving Marley a curious look.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 18 2010, 06:07 PM
Marley stood quietly, earning a glare from Mr. Yamato.
"You have 5 minutes to gather up your belongings, and only your belongings. then I want you to get lost." he leaned close and growled in Marley's ear.
Mr. Yamato then took the leash from around his wrist and gave it such A powerful tug that Keil went tumbling from his seat.
"Come along, Keil, Mr. Hatman, Ms. Hatman." We should take this to a more suitable arena. I've gone to the liberty of having my chefs prepare a four course meal for myself and some guests. I would be honored if you'd join me." With that, Marley calmly extracted himself from the room and, as soon as he was out, ran as fast as his legs could carry him.
He didn't bother to look at where he was going, he only knew why. soon, he found himself in the library of the mansion. He leaned back on the table, only to hit the head of a statue with his back. the statue, to his surprise, clicked and started to sink into the table as the floor underneath Marley split apart slowly and underneath the false floor was a set of stairs. Fortunately he didn't land on the stairs.
Unfortunately, he had lost his balance as soon as the ground started to move, which made him fall 0on his back onto the floor below.
"o-ooooouch..." he groaned heavily as he saw stars dance in front of his vision.
Posted by: Aku-chan Aug 26 2010, 01:55 AM
Sharuka didn't let on that he'd heard Yamato, only followed with his sister. He didn't see Marley leave, nor did he hear the crash.
Posted by: Architect of Will Aug 27 2010, 08:45 PM
marley stood shakily, and braced himself against the staircase.
"What..the..." was all he could say. he was looking at a room under the library which was decorated in a blue chrome motif. it has pannels missing from the walls here and there that had wires and chords of all shapes and sized potruding from within, and lights that flashed in succession in lines along the wall.
it looked like something out of a scifi movie, not something that belonged under his house. Following the wires, he went past the stairs and into the darkened corridor.