ROLEPLAY HQ - first-date-on-top-of-the-world

Tul!auto "Natalie" #first-date-on-top-of-the-world

Now automatically proxying messages in channel #first-date-on-top-of-the-world with Natalie. To disable autoproxy, use tul!auto off.

Natalie leads Sam out of the downfall to, well, wherever the door leads them this time. With the downfall existing in its own pocket dimension, it tends to lead to pretty much anywhere. Today, because they are going wherever Sam has in mind, they step out of the downfall to wherever is most convenient for reaching his destination. Natalie looks around with a bemused smile. "Usually when I leave I'm about 2 blocks from my studio apartment. I don't know where this is." She says, still holding Sam's hand. @dr.coomer4018

2:03 AM

@Doc

Indeed, it's not the same place that it usually puts Natalie out at. However it does seem to be the same town, at least this dimension's version anyway. Sam lift his finger and points towards the tallest building among the ones that line the streets of the small city. "There's this guy I know, works as a bartender in one of those fancy sky-rise bars for rich folk." He has a bit of a smug look when he mentioned the rich. The building in question is quite nice looking, it looked like it was made of obsidian and it had windows tints to look as of they were made of gold. At the very top looked to be their destination, a balcony could be seen from the ground that wrapped around half the building. "This is the town I found the Downfall in, I could never find a name for it though. Maybe, you can tell me something about it on the way." Sam said, smiling gleefully as he started to walk in towards the obsidian colored building. @reddeЯ

Natalie looks around, admiring the buildings and impressive architecture that seems to be this place's defining feature. The building they approach is quite stately and impressive. And tall. Once they pass through the double sets of doors it's real beauty becomes apparent. The light filtering through the windows illuminates a grand foyer with tall, curving escalators and obsidian walled balconies. The floor is black tile with flecks of gold, and a massive, multi-story tank of some kind houses exquisite creatures that look like they are made of neon filaments. At the ground floor shops line every wall, and little pagodas with twisted, pointed spires are dotted here and there throughout the wide walk. Music and laughter can be heard everywhere. "Wow, Sam, this place is beautiful!" Natalie observes as they make their way to one of the escalators. As they ride it up it brings them near the tank and she gets to take a closer look at some of the strange, delicate looking creatures inside of it. The first floor is easily twice as tall as any level on a building Natalie has seen before, and once they reach the second floor, it's obvious this is a standard for this building. The second floor has a black-stone lined water feature, a creek, running in a lazy, winding loop around the centrally located escalators. Bridges that look fragile and fantastical arch up over it in several places. The music here is very different from the first floor, and she can't hear anything from the first floor once they step off the escalator. Columns connect the floor and ceiling here, and the ceiling uses some trick of the light and water to look like a living canopy of sunlight. There are things being made here, workshops and supplies. Everything from sewing to painting to sculpting to marquetry. It's an artists paradise. Natalie is fascinated with all of it, but holds Sam's hand just a bit tighter, their fingers laced together.

8:07 PM

@Doc

When he earned the favor of the bartender of this place, Sam had no idea just how... how fantastic just the first two floors would be. He was told this place had money poured into by big shots both local and international, but this had to be bordering on billion mark of investments. "Vinny didn't say anything about... what are they ca—oh yeah, pagodas! Yeah..." He knew now that he made a good choice bringing Natalie, this really was an artist's paradise. "Not even halfway up and it already feels like another world." As they pass under the canopy of light, Sam feels Natalie's fingers interlock with his, his heart flutters and he looks at her with a light blush slowly forming on his cheeks. "N-Not bad for a southern boy, huh?" An elaborately decorated elevator stands on the room across from where the two stepped off the escalator. Black metal doors with a golden oriental pattern spread across, all contained within a black marble frame that had flecks of gold scattered in the exquisite rock. @reddeЯ

on a pedestal near the elevator is what looks like a map of the place. Natalie stops and looks at it curiously. From what she can tell, with the unknown language the key is written in, most of the building appears to be a hotel, with the first two floors a huge shopping center and the top floor a restaurant, which she deduces from the little image of a crossed knife and fork. "Alright, let's go up! This is going to be an experience!" She smiles up at Sam just before the elevator chimes and the door opens. Two people come out, a man and a woman. They are holding hands, eyeing each other quite intimately. The woman is flushed, and they are both smiling. Natalie can't help but smile when she sees them. It's obvious to her what they were doing, alone in the elevator. It's exactly the kind of thing they should have been doing, as infatuated as they seemed with one another.

4:05 PM

@Doc

The map was illegible to Sam, however he did recognize that it was Japanese writing by the very curvaceous letters, something that wasn't present in Chinese and Korean. Unfortunately that's where his knowledge ended, and he still couldn't understand a lick of it aside from the symbols denoting shops and restaurants. As the couple walks out of the elevator he and Natalie were about to enter, Sam takes a curious look on his face. "Wonder what kinda fun they got up to..." He was clearly oblivious to what they were getting up to, alone in that large, fancy elevator. "Well, guess it's our turn to have some fun, eh?" He said excitedly, stepping on into the elevator with Natalie by his side. The inside was fitted with seats to ensure a comfy ride up and down the building. The button panel was numbered with a hundred floors, some of which however weren't lit up. A keycard scanner was built into the panel, left of the button, luckily the floor Sam wanted to go to seemed to be public access. "So, straight to the bar or... one of these fancy restaurants? Or maybe the shops? Man, there's so much to do." Sam's face was gleaming with joy, happy that he made the choice to come here with Natalie. Feels like the good times are rolling tonight. @reddeЯ

Natalie smiles and presses the top floor button, then gently pushes Sam back to sit on one of the seats before getting on his lap, straddling his thighs. She doesn't hesitate to kiss him, then works her way to his neck. Her teeth graze over his skin as a soft, delighted moan rolls up from her chest. "Sam, you taste so good!" She says quietly before moving to the other side of his neck to continue to kiss and nibble and suck on him gently. The elevator dings and the doors open, but Natalie doesn't seem to mind. Two couples get on, and when they see Natalie on Sam's lap, one couple begins making out up against a wall, and the other doesn't take long to follow suit, with the man pulling the woman into his lap to kiss on her neck and chest while she giggles. The man from the first couple turns his head to check out Natalie, his eyes lingering on her ass for a moment before he glances up to meet Sam's eyes. He grins and nods, then grabs his girlsfriends ass with both hands. "Hey, we're hosting a party tonight in about three hours. You're more than welcome to join us. We're in room 306, you'll be fine if you tell them you're there for Nikolai's party." He speaks with a strong Russian accent.

12:32 PM

@Doc

"Alright, bar it is!" Sam gets excited as the elevator begins to rise, it moved so smoothly compared to one might board at a hotel or other place of business. But before he could revel further in this place's wonderful engineering, Natalie was pushing him back into one of the seats and straddling him, and kissing him. The sudden intimacy makes ecstatic and he returns the favor, his hands freely explore her body, slipping under her white sweater, gently brushing across her skin before they finally rest at her waist. "Fuck, I feel like I'm on fire when we're like this." He gives her a deep kiss juat before the elevator comes to a stop and lets the extra couples on. Oh shit, guess we ain't the only ones on a hot date. He thinks to himself as he glances over to see them all getting up to some action themselves. Sam had no idea who this Nikolai was, but the Russian accent told him that they must be a group from outside the states. "That sounds like fun, we may have to check it out once we're done up at the bar." He didn't mind the looks given to Natalie really, she was a beauty, a whole lotta sex appeal in a small package. And that was just her looks, she was a great artist and a helluva mixologist, her lifestyle was so... perfect, it was no wonder Sam fell for her more and more everytime they met. @reddeЯ

Natalie turns and checks out the Russian quite blatantly, her friendly smile growing as she clearly approves of what she sees. "Are you Nikolai?" She asks. "Of course I am Nikolai." He watches Natalie with a slow smile of his own. The woman kissing on his neck murmurs something quietly and he barely glances at her before returning his attention to Natalie and Sam. The woman turns and sizes up Natalie, then checks out Sam. Natalie makes a quick decision, based on the special occasion of this being a real date with Sam. "Thank you, Nikolai, but we're on our first date. I think tonight we are looking for something more personal." She says with all the charm of a bartender talking her patrons out of a drunken brawl. For a moment Nikolai's smile slips, then he shakes his head and looks back at the woman hanging on him. "Who told you to stop?" He asks her, and she starts kissing his neck again. Nikolai winks at Natalie. "You sure? You could have much fun." He prods. "I have to work tomorrow." Natalie's apologetic response is finally accepted and she turns back to Sam and rests her forehead against his, biting her lip, then kisses him softly on the lips. Nikolai and his friends get off the elevator after a few more floors and Natalie looks around before letting out a relieved laugh. "I'm sorry if you wanted to go to the party, Sam, I kind of just want to spend time with you tonight." She explains, hoping he's okay with that.

11:48 PM

@Doc

Sam was trying to be nice by not flat out saying no since he didn't have an reason to not attend the party, but Natalie luckily hit Nikolai with the dreaded work excuse. Once they're all gone, Sam lets out a deep sigh and smiles. "I was just trying to be nice to em, never heard of a good date going to one of those parties." Spoken from experience, he knew that if they went to that party they'd likely be exposed to coke and sex starved assholes, something he wanted to avoid. The elevator continues it's ascent up the building, one hundred was a lot to go up so it'd be a few more minutes until they reached the top. Luckily Sam had the best company with him for the ride. "What you said about spending time with me, that was really sweet." The floor count dial just above the doors had just hit sixty, not much further to the top now. The air already felt lighter in this small space, Sam didn't feel bothered by it though. Instead he tilted his head to side slightly and gave Natalie a gentle kiss just as she did after getting Nikolai to leave them be. @reddeЯ

Natalie smiles warmly at Sam's gentle kiss, then returns it, placing a gentle kiss on his lips, then on his jaw. She slides her hands up his chest, then slips her hands into his hair at the back of his head, resting her forearms against his shoulders so their faces are just almost touching. "You know, If you keep being so sweet, your gonna make me sweet on you." She says quietly, moving to kiss him, then pulling back to tease him with a smile.

8:40 PM

@Doc

It felt as though he could melt like a chocolate bar left in the sun, Sam savored every second of this close intimacy with Natalie. He rested his hands at her hips. "Who said that ain't the goal?" He says just as they kiss, and as Natalie pulls away he's drawn towards her. But just as it seems he's going for another kiss, his head moves down to her neck. Several soft smooches are left up and down her neck, Sam's little pecks move to her shoulder left exposed by the sweater she wore. @reddeЯ

Natalie inhales sharply as Sam's soft, warm lips caress the pale skin on her neck and shoulder, then she exhales a shaky sigh. Sam's soft touches and kisses are sweet and erotic and make Natalie feel desired. "You know, I'm not sure when the last time I went on a real date was." She says. The elevator reaches their floor and dings, and a small group of people begin to pile in. Natalie gets off Sam's lap and holds his hand tightly as she makes her way out. She's used to getting misplaced in crowded places. Comes from being to short to see or be seen over everyone around her.

5:44 PM

@Doc

Sam knew he was having a positive impact on Natalie, but to what extent he wasn't sure. He wanted to her to feel what he himself had missed out on over the years, compassion and want. Over the years he'd been used and left by women of higher standing, but never once did his heart falter and become cold. He was still determined to show his warmth to someone special, and he chose to show it to Natalie. "I'll make this a night to remember then." He said with a smile, getting up with her as they finally arrive on the top floor. People in evening suits and dresses dotted this floor, a somewhat smaller room that was both a bar and restaurant. What it lacked in size though was made up for with the glass doors that led outside to a balcony that stretched halfway around the entire high-rise. While the lower floors had a more oriental style to them, this one clearly took inspiration from Italian architecture, beautifully polished wood and black marble covered the floors and walls. The ceiling appeared like a dome, hanging lampshade lights made for a dimmer but moody atmosphere. "Oh man..." Sam held onto Natalie's hand tighter than when they first exited the elevator, taken by surprise the beauty of the sky-rise he was so lucky to be allowed into.

9:51 AM

@reddeЯ

"Oh, Sam!" Natalie exclaims as she takes in her surroundings. Not just the place, but the people are beautiful as well! Every woman has glittering jewels, every man in a suit. It all acreams of money. Natalie and Sam are decidedly underdressed, but she couldn't care less about that. "I've never been anywhere like this!" She brings his hand up to her chest, holding it with both of her hands. Her eyes sparkle as she looks around the room, smiling at everything she sees. Anyone who sees her tends to smile as well, without even realizing it most of the time.

11:44 AM

@Doc

Natalie's excitement brings a warm, fuzziness to Sam's chest. He's too focused on his hand being pulled up to her chest that he doesn't notice a man dressed in all black walk up to them, he has a very Italian look to his face, with emerald hued eyes. He wears a button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up. In contrast to his black clothes he has a white baretender's apron on. "So you finally came Sammy." He walked right up to Sam and held him by the shoulders, giving him a quick peck on both cheeks. "You also brought a lovely plus one, no issue." He nods, this must've been the one Sam spoke of, Vinny. Sam had helped the Italian man with a flat tire once that was too far out of town, the cell service was also quite shit too. For this favor, Vinny felt indebted to the southern boy and wanted to repay him with a good time. "Thank you Vinny, it wouldn't have felt right to come alone." Sam replied, a kiss on the cheek was a way people from Italy greeted each other, those that they were fond of anyway. Vinny nodded again, crossing his arms. "Well remember, first hundred dollars worth of drinks is on me, that was the deal. Your tab's been set since a few days ago."

12:38 PM

@reddeЯ

Natalie flashes her friendly bartender smile at the man and offers her hand to shake. "Hi! I'm Natalie!" She says quite cheerfully. "This place is beautiful! Much more sophisticated than the Downfall. I love it!" Her welcoming tone and genuine smile always gets a smile in return, and when Vinny takes her hand, rather than shake it, he brings it to his lips to kiss the back of her hand. "I'm glad you like it, Natalie, you are welcome here anytime." "I like the studio setup on the second floor. I think I will be back, for that, at the very least." She blushes just a bit, having not been expecting him to greet her like that. "Are you an artist, then?" Vinny asks, and Natalie's smile grows. "Absolutely. I'm an erotic artist." She says. For once, though, she doesn't have her art case and can't show her work. "An erotic artist? That's not something you hear every day." Vinny leads them to a somewhat private table for two out on the balcony. "And what will you be drinking tonight?" He asks, but Natalie is distracted by the view. She goes to the glass rail and leans on it, looking over the city spread out below her with a look of wonder on her face. "Wow, Sam, it's beautiful!" She exclaims. A warm breeze tumbles her curls about, but she doesn't seem to mind. "I can see the entire city from here!"

12:52 PM

@Doc

Sam can already see a spark between the two as the greet each other, bartender to bartender. Vinny was very... fancy, but he had a very friendly attitude about him at the same time, he was good in Sam's book. His manners were very befitting of his nature as well, a kiss on the hand and even granting them the best seats in the house, or rather, outside the house. Sam just had a huge smile on his face as he walked uo behind Natalie and place both hands on her shoulders, looking out at the city with her. "It's great, ain't it? I don't think I've ever been up this high before..." It seems he too was enraptured by the beautiful lights that lit up the city at night. Vinny just lets them have their moment, not wishing to interrupt what looked like a moment between the two.

11:58 AM

@reddeЯ

Natalie leans slightly back, against Sam, and quietly admires the view with him. It's quite a breathtaking display of lights and buildings, all the urban beauty one could ask for. Very little of the noise of the city reaches up this high, and the lights are far enough below them that when they look up, they can still see the stars. After a few minutes Natalie turns away from the view to lean against the rail, capturing Sam's hands and moving them to her waist. She smiles flirtatiously and winks. "Don't you know when you bring a girl somewhere this romantic, you're supposed to kiss her?" She teases lightly.

12:36 PM

@Doc

Not too lost in the view to not notice Natalie taking his hands into hers and move them to her waist, this felt familiar like when they'd sit together, but this felt more intimate this time. Of course there was still a bit of naughtiness in her actions and tone, something that drive Sam wild. He grins at her teasing word, bringing himself just a touch closer. "Well, I was wondering if you were gonna be lost in the view all night, but since we're here..." Their lips barely brush together, enticing Natalie to close what little space remained between them. "Here I am..." Some of Natalie's antics have been rubbing off on Sam, he was trying his own hand at being a tease here.

2:32 PM

@reddeЯ

Natalie brings her own arms up to drape around Sam's neck as she presses her lips to his. She isnt shy, and sho proves it once again when she doesn't hesitate to deepen their kiss. She doesn't care that they are what everyone who looks toward the balcony is going to see. Sam is the only one she focuses on while she kisses him.

2:45 PM

@Doc

Sam's electric brain signals are popping off like fireworks in July. He leans into the kiss more and more as it deepens, letting go of any worry he might have had before, to the point he has to wrap his arm around her waist to keep her from falling back. Natalie's head hangs just off the edge of the balcony overlooking the city, a second pair of hands can be seen holding onto Sam's shoulders from behind, a pair of purple, translucent hands... seems even if he felt like getting risky, these ghost arms of his would show up to save him. And by extension, Natalie too. He definitely didn't summon them himself this time, which begged the two questions that still plague his mind, how sentient are they? Why does he even have them?

7:34 PM

@reddeЯ

It's exhilarating, leaning back over the balcony with Sam's arm keeping her from plummeting to her death. It builds and shows trust that she is able to allow it to happen. The ephemeral hands don't escape her notice. Little does, on most days. Mild curiosity about them is satedbeasily enough. When they return to their table she asks about them. "I've seen those purple hands before, what's the story behind those? You are human, right? So they're some sort of magic?" She inquires as her drink, a whiskey/coke, as usual, is brought to the table. "So I've come across something I think is similar to you purple hands. At least, a friend of mine had telekinetic powers that glowed red, and his hands would glow, and he could sometimes make red glowing hands. How does your power work?"

2:39 AM

@Doc

When he brings her back upright, Sam's hit with the very question that was on his mind at that moment. The ghostly hands retreated behind his back, disappearing into whatever dormant state they remained in when not out and about. "I'm human as the day I was born, human ma n' pa." He cleared his throat feeling his accent come out for but a moment. He didn't dislike his southern roots by any means but he knew some weren't able to keep up with the heavier dialect of the Cajun South. So he adopted this more plain voice of his, still with a touch of his accent but quite clear to the ears of someone who's never been to where he's from. He leans on the edge of the table and gesturing to Vinny he wants one of what she's having as well. "I don't think I'm magical. The hands, they're uh... they feel like a part of me." He thought about the comparison she made between him and the other friend of hers, it had some similarities but at times he didn't even have to summon them himself. "I thought I might come across some explanation while traveling but the only thing I learned is that they get all excited around other magical people. That excludes, yeah, excludes, holiness, like there's a difference between the two that I'm supposed to know? So a holy paladin would get nothing but a sorceress that grafts body parts to herself gets challenged to arm wrestling." He said, recalling one of his moments at the Downfall where his ghost arms' strength was challenged. "They're so... strong, I can hardly trust myself with em, and it don't help they act on their own."

12:49 PM

@reddeЯ

"Oh?! You don't control them?" She says. Working at the Downfall, Natalie has seen many, many of the infinite forms magic and the supernatural can take. It's given her quite a pool if knowledge to draw from as she tries to puzzle out the unusual skill Sam has acquired. "Then... maybe some form of wild magic? Or even paranormal? Like a strange possession or something? I suppose it could even be, like, some sort of a symbiotic like form? Has it ever tried to hurt you?" She asks curiously. She sips her drink, but finds it has more coke and not enough whiskey, as always when she doesn't pour it herself. When Vinni brings Sam's drink she requests two shots of the same whiskey, which she promptly pours into her glass the moment he brings them, earning her a raised eyebrow and an amused look from the bartender. She hardly notices, though. She's much more interested in working out the mysterious arms and if they are dangerous to Sam.

2:34 AM

@Doc

"No, I can control them... or rather I have a strong power of suggest over them." He's had them for a while now, suddenly just showing up after his sixteenth birthday. These arms of his are partly what fueled his adventurous spirit in the first place, if they hadn't showed up he probably would have remained in Louisiana, trying to plant some roots somewhere. "They don't try to hurt me, but remember when you tried that light touch thing on me and they held me down? They can get mischievous like that sometimes." He takes a sip from his glass, it's definitely some top shelf liquor by it's taste, it had quite some time to mature. If only there was some kind of high quality coke to go with it, the standard cola worked just fine though. "But the fact that they get more lively round magic folks, that's something worth looking into, and the Downfall's just perfect for finding people like that... and finding someone like you." He nodded and raised his glass to her before taking another, more lengthy pull from his glass. "How did you end up at the Downfall anyway? People like you and me are a rare breed over there."

6:32 PM

@reddeЯ

"Oh, that... that's a long story. I kind of stumbled on the downfall by accident, and the bartender at that time was this... gorgeous... dragon... who gave me the most incredible night... and stole my heart for a while. But he wasn't to fond of my hedonism, and things got... difficult. Then some stuff happened, and he's gone now." Natalie shifts a bit, looking uncomfortable with the topic. She hasn't thought about him in a long time, and it brings up some very deeply buried emotions and memories. "But, well, I guess I have a thing for supernatural beings. Plus the downfall is a wonderful place to find subjects to draw, and I just... feel like it's home. You know? Like it's where I'm supposed to be. I've got so much of my life invested in that place, and the people I've met there, it's... kind of a part of me." She sops at her drink, not quite looking at Sam as she remembers some of the people who've come and gone since she first came to the downfall. Some she never expects to see again. Some she doesn't know what she'd do if she saw them again. Some she hopes she never sees again. "Its changed so much, you know? The downfall is always changing. I enjoy being able to watch and be a part of it. Honestly, I don't know how ive avoided the associated risks of being in the crowd the downfall attracts. Vampires, demons, all those sort. But I've never really felt like I was in danger of anything but a broken heart." Which has happened. More than once. "But it's always been worth it." Despite her conviction, there's an undertone of sadness in her declaration. Life doesn't come free, and sometimes the price is steep, after all.

6:59 PM

@Doc

"Life on the road hasn't been too different for me, I've come across all manner of people... good and bad, sometimes they're so storied it's hard to even make that distinction." Indeed, life so far for Sam was full of experiences one might only get in a single lifetime. He's learned and lived, laughed and cried, saved and needed saving, he understood a little better what Natalie had gone through herself now. Hedonism wasn't a societal norm like it was in the Roaring Twenties or the Disco Era of the Seventies, modern times were full of nihilism and realism, technology allowed people to see but made them blind at the same time. And so with a desire to be free of worry for the future and a thirst for knowledge of himself, Samuel set out across America seeking out the things that he'd always heard about on TV or from stories of older folks who reminisced of the good old days. Samuel eventually just became Sam, only using his full first name for times it was required. Sam was easy to say, much like he was so easygoing and simple to please. The first two years he spent traveling to all the big places his feet could carry him, the Grand Canyon, New York City, the Hoover Dam, and even the great Redwood Forests in California. But as he traveled he began to realize he had fallen in love more with the journey itself than the destination, so his feet carried him even further, even into a boat that took him across the ocean. Life was beautiful when you kept moving, four years of traveling had ingrained this into Sam's way of thinking. He took the good with the bad wherever he went, so sure the next encounter along the road could be better than the last. But then he found the Downfall... several times he tried to move on from it, but he found his heart was holding on to it. He had developed more than just a love for travel and exploration, feelings had taken hold for a certain woman he held in high regard. And though she had not reciprocated these feelings at first, Sam felt a

12:03 AM

bond between them growing with each meeting. Tonight felt like the night he'd try again instead of trying so hard to move on. "Life goes on, but I can say it's been worth it too. Live in the moment and be excited for what's next, right?"

12:03 AM

@reddeЯ

"Always." Natalie recovers from her emotional drop with a resilience that would leave many in a state of confusion. Hearing Sam voice something so in tune with her own approach to life is refreshing. It's why she likes Sam. It's nice to not have to explain herself every time she does something people would consider risky or foolish. She has never been one to let consequences that might happen direct her path, or discourage her from doing whatever makes her happy. Yes, she has experiences that have had a profound impact on her, things that hurt her in ways she will never be able to get over. But that's not what she is about. Those things happened and can't be changed. They are part of who she is. What matters is that she live in right here, right now, and get the absolute most out of every moment she is alive. "You only get one chance to live your life, and what's the point if you aren't going to spend every moment enjoying it as much as possible. What comes next is never guaranteed, right now is truly all you've got." She can't keep the grin off of her face. Natalie always has a smile, and if it slips it's never gone for long. Some women talk about having "resting bitch face," where their default, or at rest, expression is that of someone who appears pissed off or bitchy, Natalie's at rest expression is that of someone who has no reason not to smile. She has different types of smiles, and incorporates her whole face into her smile. Her mouth is as expressive as some people's eyes are said to be. What makes her smile all the more pleasant is that it's always genuine. Right now, she shares a smile with Sam that not many people have ever seen. One that she would share with someone she considered a kindred spirit, the same type of person she is. Someone she can connect with, understand, and relate to on a level unlike any other. And suddenly realizes she doesn't know anybody else like Sam. He is the only person who's ever said something that reminded her of

1:08 AM

her own philosophy when she strayed from her chosen lifestyle and nature. The only one who has never questioned her self-indulgent and sometimes risky behavior. Sam is someone she would miss terribly if she never saw him again. She would always feel like he was missing, always hope to see his smiling face, hear his pleasant laugh. She would be hurt if he decided to move on. And she knows he will, someday. That's his nature. But while he's here, she is going to enjoy the time she gets to share with him and not worry about what may or may not come tomorrow. She has Sam tonight, and she doesn't want to waste this time with him worrying about when she doesn't have any more time with him. "Thank you Sam. You are an incredible guy, you know that? You help me remember what's important in life." She says, smiling that kindred smile as she reaches across the table to catch his hand in her own and lace her finger through his.

1:08 AM

@Doc

Sam's heart is just so close to melting like a snowman in Spring as she speaks her words to him, and he can tell they're truthful which makes all the more impactful to him. He doesn't want this night to end now, he had to make the most of this night. "Nat... I... I've never wanted to stay in one place more than I do now. Traveling is fun, but being around you really makes me feel alive." He tightens his hand in hers as they share this small moment of physical intimacy, it felt even more euphoric than her intoxicating, sweet kisses. He contemplates his next words, trying not to let his excitement get the better of him, but he just looked so damned happy right now. "That's why... that's why I rented out a room at the Downfall for the next few months. It took some saving but it's worth it if I can see you more often." It was something he'd never done before, staying in the same town for more than a couple of weeks, but he was resolute in his decision to stick around this way.

12:01 PM

@reddeЯ

Natalie looks at Sam with a slight frown. She turned him down once, but was that really what she wanted? Sam is... different. He makes her feel so damn good! He's never criticized her chosen lifestyle, in fact, he has a very similar philosophy to hers. He hasn't ever tried to hold her back. He just makes every day that she sees him that much brighter for being in it by showing up and flashing her that charming smile of his. She has a bemused smile as she slowly shakes her head incredulously. "You are one persistent guy, aren't you?" She chuckles. "You sure you havent gotten bored of me yet? I mean, I'm sure you've go some pretty girl's heart in every town you stop in. What makes you want to stick around now? Don't you miss the open road, the horizon? New places, New people?" Does he really want to give all that up for her? Is that what he's trying to tell her?

1:16 PM

@Doc

It would seem likely that a guy like Sam would capture the hearts of many, and sometimes he did. But past experiences have caused him to be more careful around those that took such an interest in him, this might explain his nervousness the first few times Natalie made a move on him. He was more confident now that he believed she was like no other girl he'd met before, there was no mask she hid behind trying to get what she wanted, she was the most genuine, honest lady he's come across in his life. And that is what he found himself falling for more and more. "I guess I am being pretty persistent... I don't usually try so hard." The first rejection was a hard blow, but he pulled himself back up and became more determined. For what reason... the road was ofttimes lonely, he'd forgotten the feeling of familiar faces and touch. And although Natalie never directly said it to him, he felt wanted. "The open road is great... but not when I'm missing out on someone like you. Everytime I left this town, I thought about you everyday and when I'd get to see you again... it was the first time I felt such a way. There's only one Natalie and I'd do anything to stay by her." Sam couldn't be more truthful, spilling his heart out to her at the top of the world. Maybe the drink helped loosen his lips but there was no punches pulled in what he said just now. He wanted Natalie, perhaps needed her if he continued to let his emotions speak so freely. And now that he'd done just that, all he could do was hope, hope that Natalie felt something for him like what he felt for her.

4:44 PM

@reddeЯ

Natalie's eyes widen in alarm. She knew this would happen! She knew it when she turned him down before! She knew he wasn't going to be able to stay friends! It's even worse because, despite not wanting to be in a committed relationship again, Natalie really does like Sam! With him sitting there saying such sweet things, the hopeful look on his face... She opens her mouth to say something, but nothing comes out. Sam holds her hand in his tightly, waiting expectantly for her to say something. She just has no clue what to say. She believes in doing what feels good. In instant gratification. In enjoying every moment of life. She has found she is able to enjoy sex without needing an emotional connection, and has indulged freely. That's just part of who she is. But that doesn't mean she hasn't tried to find an emotional connection. She has, so many times. Alex, Thomas, Luck, and a couple more. Each time ended in heartbreak. She is not fond of emotional pain. She can't have an emotional connection without being aware that that person is capable of ruining her ability to enjoy life. But Sam is not them, and he's not like anybody else. He's like her in so many ways. He's human too, not that that matters to her. it might be all the difference... She pushes that thought away, not even wanting to go there. Some things are better left locked away. Sam expects a response, and she doesn't know what to tell him. That she's afraid that if she gives him her heart, he will break it? That she doesn't want to give anybody her happiness again? That the risk is to great? live in the moment... What feels right, what feels good? To keep being alone, fucking guys to keep the emptiness at bay? Going home to her studio apartment every night knowing there will never be anybody waiting for her? Never having anyone to celebrate her success or share her burdens with? Staying safe? Or taking this risk, letting Sam close and giving him meaning and importance in her life? Sha

6:26 PM

ring her heart with him, giving him the power to break it, on the chance that he won't? Having someone who cares about her, and caring about them? Companionship? Could she even let go of her fears enough to allow herself to enjoy it? What if they are right for each other? Could she forgive herself if she let that go? What if they are together for a long time? What then? What if Sam wants children, a family of his own? Natalie finally finds her voice. She knows what is going to make her feel good right now, and consequences be damned. The future is never guaranteed, there's no point in wasting life worrying about what might happen. Sam makes her feel different. He makes her happy, and he is happy. Not because of her, he just knows how to enjoy life. She knows he would be happy if she would say they could be together, but Sam has already found what makes him happy. She wouldn't have to feel responsible for his happiness, she would only be adding to it.

6:26 PM

"I'm scared, Sam. Every time I've gotten close to anyone, they have hurt me. Badly. Thomas... Thomas left me after I lost the baby..." her free hand moves over her stomach as her typically happy face shows true pain, anguish, and grief. "I don't want to be hurt. But I don't want you to leave, either. If I let you go without giving us a chance, I know I'm going to regret it the rest of my life. But it's hard to trust anyone not to hurt me if I let them close." She pauses and sighs softly. "I don't know the right words to explain how much you scare me, Sam. I think, if you stay around, I won't be able to help falling for you. I like you a lot, I've enjoyed every moment we've spent together. If you mean it, that you want to stay by me... you would make me so happy... but you would break me if you ever changed your mind." She takes another deep breath before continuing. "But I know how good good you're going to make me me feel, right here and now. I know it's going to make me feel so very happy, like nothing and nobody else is capable of doing. So... if you're sure you want to take the chance... I will... I will take it with you. Just please, I can't handle having it happen again. I just can't, Sam, it hurts so bad when someone you need leaves."

6:26 PM

@Doc

It came as no surprise to Sam how hesitant Natalie was, even if he only knew a little of what all she's been through with past partners. He gave her as much time as needed to think on it, after all relationships were not something to take lightly. Sam feels a pit in his stomach at the thought of this Thomas running away after a failed birth. He felt he understood her fear a little more now, there was room for healing but that was a long road, one he was willing to walk with Natalie, roads were something he was quite familiar with after all. Not once did his smile break though, he remained a bright beacon through it all. "I'm not going anywhere, I'll be within arms reach whenever you need me." That was true, after all he was staying close to one of Natalie's places of work, he was emotional support... and a few other things, on standby for her. "I'm ready to take that chance with you."

11:22 AM

@reddeЯ

"You're very brave, Sam. Or very foolish. It's a very subtle difference." Natalie says with a chuckle. After a moment she she gives him a curious look. Of course she'd slept with human men, but she's never been serious with one. She doesn't quite know what to think of that. "You're irresistible, Sam. I dont know if you know that. Something about that smile makes me want to keep close to you, so I can see it every chance I get." Despite her apprehensions, she feels good about this. Her drink forgotten, she clasps Sam's hand in both of hers and smiles at him. It can't be a bad idea if it feels this good, right? She will worry about tomorrow when it comes, for now she just has to focus on today. "This is going to be a good thing. It's got to be, right? We both have put enough happiness in the world to have some thrown back our way, I should think." She says optimistically.

7:11 PM

@Doc

"I'm not afraid to admit I've been a fool more than once, but for the first time I feel... certain." He feels her curious gaze on him, wondering what she might be thinking about in this moment. It had to be nice though, she didn't seem overly worried anymore. Hearing her talk about him being irresistible, it started to get him all giddy again, of course that smile she spoke of gleamed on his face once more. "W-Well you'll be getting that chance plenty now." He hadn't known how similarly their feelings for each other actually lined up, it was starting to look like a match made in heaven in his eyes. Sam places his other hand over Natalie's, this had to be good, nothing this good could be bad. Maybe he finally reached the end of the lonesome road, he was never sure how long he could walk it after all. But now wasn't the time to think about that, there was the now to live in. "We'll make it, make the most of this all. I think... we're gonna have a lot of fun with this too." He has a little smirk as he says that last bit, this arrangement also meant they'd have many opportunities to try out different things and perhaps even indulge in certain fantasies.

12:35 PM

@reddeЯ

Natalie gets butterflies un her tummy when Sam flashes that smile her way. It surprises her. For her, things chance when she actually enters a relationship. Sex with that person isn't casual anymore, it takes on a deeper meaning, a connection. She gives that person a place of priority in her mind, importance beyond that of just another friend. She gives them the power to hurt her, and to bolster her. She lets them become significant in her life, and to her life. It makes her nervous, but also lifts a weight from her shoulders. Nobody should have to be alone, and Natalie had been keeping people at arms length for some time now out of fear. Her relationships thus far have resulted in more pain than she cares to ever experience again. But there is something to be said for waking up in the arms of someone you love. Nothing quite matches the feeling of knowing you will see your loved one at the end of a long work day. Having someone to celebrate a success with makes it that much sweeter. Knowing you aren't alone is the best feeling in the world. She is content to just sit quietly for a moment, contemplating things. It isn't quite an instant shift in her regard of Sam. It will likely take some time for her to fully wrap her mind around it, but she is already considering him as more of a presence in her life. There is one thing that doesn't sit well with her though. "Sam, you don't have to stay at the downfall. I have a studio apartment not far from the bar that I hardly even use. It's not much, and probably not the most tidy at the moment, but there's plenty of room, if you're interested. I can put my art supplies away and actually stock my kitchen for once, and id be much more inclined to come home if I knew it wasn't an empty house and an empty bed I'd be coming home to. I, uh... I don't really handle being alone well." She sheepishly admits. It's not exactly a revelation. It's not like she hides her activities, and the downfall guest rooms are more likely tha

7:52 PM

n not where she spends any given night. She works at the downfall because even if she didn't, she would be there anyway, brightening the atmosphere with her quick smile and friendly nature. "I understand if you think it's to soon for that, I won't be hurt if you'd rather not yet. I just think it would be a lot more... comfortable... than staying at the downfall. And it's not far from there. It's not even in an apartment building, it's one of those second story places, above a shop. I'm above a very nice ice cream parlor, actually. It's a bit spendy, but that's no problem for me." One thing Natalie doesn't have to worry about is money. It's not that she earns a particularly high income, but that she spends very little. Rent and utilities for a single studio really don't cost that much, and the only thing she buys for herself are her art supplies for personal work. The studio provides supplies for her work there. She typically eats at the downfall enough that her kitchen is embarasingly bare. She was lucky enough to find a studio that has a new, albeit small, stacked HE washer and dryer.she doesn't even need a car, as it's located almost exactly halfway between the downfall and the studio she works at, as well as being on a bus line with several shopping centers, grocery stores, and entertainment all nearby. There's even a lovely, large, well maintained park and garden a few blocks away if she ever feels up to a good, long walk. There's a movie theater nearby, a gym she keeps telling herself she is going to join someday, and a one of those coffee shops that always has people relaxing there all day on their laptops, making use of the free wifi. She's just around the corner from a library, and right down the street they just opened once of those game stores where they sell trading cards and dice comic books and Manga and those cute little anime bobble heads and on weekends they have tournaments and events and host meet-ups and gatherings of every sort.

7:52 PM

@Doc

His heart was pounding with a mixture of anxiety and glee, the idea of living with Natalie excited Sam greatly to the point he had almost forgotten to actually think of an answer. "I... that sounds amazing! I mean, I've never lived with anyone before but, I was raised well enough to take care of the place if that counts for anything." It was only then that he started to think about just how meaningful this invitation was. It was a show of trust, she was inviting him into her inner sanctum, a place most precious to her where her memories and passions were stored. This invitation meant a lot more now than it initially did, and Sam was all the more determined to not let Natalie down. "I'd love to live with you, I just..." There was a bit of a problem that gave him pause, it wasn't terribly serious. He'd be more than happy to share a bed with someone he cares so deeply for, getting to wake in the morning and seeing her get ready for the day. And at any point they wouldn't be far apart, a city could be overwhelming at first to some but he's walked many long roads to the point to know that the distance wasn't that intimidating. "I left my stuff at the Downfall, I'll have to stop back there before I move in... hah..." He gave a chuckle, now that the words had left his mouth it didn't feel like much of a problem at all, it would just be a little pitstop on the way to his new home. Home... he hoped he could call it that, it felt good to think of it that way. Considering all things as well, he'd have to find a job to occupy himself. Good thing his connections had yet to fail him here, his experiences had made him a perfect fit for a certain researcher and tinkerer. He'd already been reached out to twice already, pieces were starting to fall in place.

11:56 PM

@reddeЯ

"That's easy enough." Natalie says, "I can go with. I'll help you carry stuff. Um... my place isn't the tidiest..." she feels like it's only fair to warn him, but it won't take much to put her art supplies away. She's been meaning to do it for some time. Her smile turns a little bit nervous as she realizes it's the perfect opportunity to bring up another point- that she doesn't spend every night at home. Then she realizes she is definitely going to be coming home more often, if Sam is going to be there with her. Especially at first. Some things are easier left until they need to be addressed. Who knows, maybe she will want to be home every night, with Sam. It's a different sort of idea. Not one she's never heard of, or never tried. When she was with Thomas, she was home every night and didn't have a problem with it. It doesn't seem like the worst idea she's ever heard of right now. She decides the best thing to do is just wait and see what happens. "I think it will work out just fine." They finish their drinks and the evening on the high-rise balcony before descending back to the street. It's easy enough to get back to the downfall, and doesn't take long to pick up Sam's things. Then, with more than a little nervous energy, Natalie leads Sam to her cozy little home above the ice cream parlor. It's an unassuming brick building on main Street. The ice cream parlor is situated on the corner, and they go in the main doors and up a narrow set of stairs behind a plain door. The studio itself is large for a studio, though still just a studio. There is a counter sectioning off one corner for a small kitchen, and a door leading to a closet and small bathroom. Natalie has a queen sized bed against one wall, and opposite that is a loveseat with one end table. One section of the wall across from the loveseat is a large window with a glass door leading to a balcony. In front of that glass wall is a large artist's easel. On every available surface can be found various art

12:51 AM

supplies. Paints, pencils, brushes, sketch books, canvases, and various jars. Several art cases are in various places. Every wall proudly bears Natalie's pictures. Some are clearly pieces she made for her job, done in the Manga style of a graphic novel. Others are more Natalie's personal style. As soon as she gets inside, Natalie starts gathering up her things. It isn't difficult to make a difference in the mild chaos. She starts moving things to the shelves in the walk in closet, at least, what she can. The canvases are carefully lined up behind the easel. The drawing books are stored away in one of several totes she has under her bed, and in her closet. "I keep towels right here, by the bathroom, and the toilet paper is under the bathroom sink. There's cold water in the fridge, though not much else. I'll have to pick up some groceries." She tries to think of everything Sam might want to use, but it's really not a very big place. "There's plenty of room in the closet, I only have a few things I hang up. My clothes are all in the dresser by my bed. Oh, there's a little washer and dryer in the closet, but it's not big enough for, like, blankets or anything. I do those at the laundry mat." Natalie stops and looks around, hoping Sam likes it. Her bed looks extremely comfortable, covered with a thick, rumpled, black down comforter that's big enough to touch the floor all the way around and several big, squishy pillows. "Well... home sweet home." She holds her arms out to her sides to indicate the entirety of her home, the home she's lived in for years now. She's even moved out, into a bigger home, only to come right back here. It's always been enough for her. She doesn't need more than this for herself.

12:51 AM

@Doc

12:52 AM

Natalie smiles at Sam, then walks right past him and drops onto her unkempt bed. The big, fluffy down comforter floofs and she all but disappears except for her feet sticking off the edge. After a moment, with the comforter not yet settled around her, she starts to wiggle and move around. Both of her shoes hit the floor and she burrows into the comforter, pulling her feet up with her. Another momentt later her arm extends out to drop her jeans beside the bed. After still more wiggling around her white sweater join her jeans. Then Natalie's head full of tousled bright red curls pops out near the pillows, smiling, of course. She even goggles. "There, that's my bedtime routine!" She says, "are you coming? We can get your stuff put away in the morning. It's late." She pats the pillow next to her. There are several pillows that look just as floofy as the comforter. @dr.coomer4018

7:29 PM

@Doc

Sam didn't have an issue with a clean home, he's seen some pretty messy places before but he was sure Natalie's wasn't that bad. "I can always help keep things nice." He smiled at the thought of doing house chores, the idea of settling down was becoming more appealing by the second. And so, they finish their drinks and bid farewell to the gentlemanly bartender before descending the sky-rise. As they made their way down to the ground floor, Sam had the bright idea of getting something from one of the stores for Natalie as a gift. Another day though, he wanted it to be a surprise. He only had a few things stored away at the Downfall, his backpack filled with his personal belongings and of course his trusty banjo which hung off the side. Sam pretty much carried his home with him before, now he had a place he could keep his things secure and rest his weary head. The sight of the ice cream parlor was cause for excitement. To think, he could walk downstairs and have a frozen treat whenever he wanted? "My god, you live above an ice cream parlor, that's amazing." He said with a joyous chuckle, following Natalie inside and up the stairs to the studio. It was indeed a bit messy but Sam could see some order in the chaos. He didn't waste time on giving Natalie a hand with cleaning things up, grabbing up supplies behind her and following along to put them up in their respective places. Once it's all said and done he finally takes a look around, it was cozy despite it's size which he was a fan of. "I think I'm gonna like it here Nat, really." He lets out a deep sigh and takes off his backpack and sets it down gently by the walk in closet door. Seeing Natalie jostle around in the bed was quite a sight, from where he stood it looked like her clothes were just magically sliding off of her body and to the floor. "Ain't too different from what I do." Sam could barely hold back his amused expression as he moved to join her. It was a relief to get all those clothes off, but he mad

8:30 PM

e sure to keep them in a neat pile at the foot of the bed before crawling in after Natalie. "Woah—" The feel of the comforter was the only foreign thing to him, his hands sunk into it unexpectedly and he ended up almost falling over next to Natalie. After a moment of regaining his balance he finally laid down next to her. "This is the softest bed I've ever been in, thought I was gonna sink." He says with a chuckle as he lays on his side to face her. @reddeЯ

Natalie smiles and hooks her leg through Sam's, pulling herself closer to him. She kisses him softly and tucks herself close to him with a sigh, closing her eyes. "You're the first person ive ever had in this bed." She says quietly, feeling like that's somehow significant. Usually she would go home with guys, or they wouldn't leave the downfall. Sam is more than that, though, and this is one of the ways she will show him that. She kisses him, just an innocent kiss on the lips, and smiles at him. "Whats something you've always wanted to do? I don't mean in bed- well, not just in bed. But at all. Anywhere. Something you've always wanted to do with somebody, because I'm sure youve had plenty of opportunity to do things on your own." She asks, wanting to make plans to keep them busy with each other. Natalie was never one for sitting around idle, she wants to live life. Really live it. With Sam.

1:05 AM

@Doc

That kiss, so gentle and sweet, it was so different yet so familiar to all the other times their lips had met. Sam felt whole, like he had a piece of his being filled that he had no clue was missing in the first place. Even when they parted the feeling didn't fade, this was their first real kiss, no lust or desire, just a mutual feeling of affection for one another. Sam of course was still attentive, hearing her inquiry. Indeed, he had done much in his travels, seen sights he could never forget, but the idea of doing and seeing these things with someone so close... it opened up a whole new world of potential joy. Ideas rushed through that brain of his, there were so many things he wanted to do that he couldn't easily think of an answer. "Oh.. uh, you gone and caught me off guard with that one." He says, letting out a soft chuckle, trying to pin one of the many ideas down in his head. "You ever been to a music festival before? I always saw couples going together so... maybe we could enjoy something like that? Oh! Speaking of music, I've always wanted to do karaoke, that just as fun without a good partner." He said excitedly, it was clear he had plenty of pitches he could go on all night with.

3:48 PM

@reddeЯ

Natalie's whole face lights up as she grins. She's always been one for doing the things that make you feel good. That make you enjoy life. "I have never been to a music festival, but I would absolutely love to go to one!" She exclaims. "I love karaoke too. I'm not the best, but it's not about being the best, it's about having fun doing it." She tucks her head with its unruly mop of red curls to his shoulder and sighs softly. Sam feels warm and comfortable in her bed like this. She feels safe, and looks forward to tomorrow with him, and the next day, and the next. Inevitably, her big, comfy bed, chosen to be the perfect place for a small, wild Natalie to get some real sleep, pulls her to the very brink of consciousness. She fights it, not wanting to sleep just yet. It's not every night that she has someone to hold her all night. She doesn't want to miss anything "I hope I can be as exciting as traveling the county for you." She says with a big yawn. "I think I'm going to be boring tonight and actually go to sleep. I don't really do that often enough." She couldn't actually remember the last time she'd slept in her own bed. She usually stopped by long enough to collect laundry, shower and change. She always meant to spend more time there. She wanted to paint again. Colored pencils were great, but painting takes a different kind of touch. With her eyes mostly closed, she began tracing her fingertips lightly down Sam's chest, following the contours of his body. When she reached his hip she lifed her hand and traced another path down, then let her hand settle there with a soft sigh. @doc

"I'll be keeping an eye out for any festivals nearby, and who knows, there's probably a karaoke lounge somewhere in town." It was a great idea for a date to him, of course festivals come and go and lounges sometimes filled up, but visiting Natalie at the Downfall was always an option as well. He could tell now that she was getting tired, but who could blame her? This bed was an embrace of soft and cozy comfort, and now she even had someone to hold at night. Even Sam who was still full of energy felt himself slowly fading with her. "I think I'm feeling the sleep demon too, you go on and rest... yawn ...I'll be here to see you off in the morning." His yawn is let on by the gentle tracing of her fingers along his body, he remembered the last time she'd done this it was to bring him pleasure, now it brought him comfort and affection. Tomorrow he'd see about a new, more permanent job, but not before waking up to the sight of her. He gently placed a hand at her cheek, stroking the side of her face with his thumb. "Goodnight Nat..."

5:41 AM

@reddeЯ