A night at the Theatre...(Kieran and Story only!)

[Story Flayiania]

[glow=blue,2,300](Story and Kieran only!)[/glow]

Story Flayiania walked stiffly from the theatre being terribly unused to sitting for hours on end. He couldn't believe how long the play had went on before they had taken a half-time, so to speak, and to be frank, he didn't want to sit, bent or stay still for another three hours!

No, it wasn't odd for him to attend plays, he did so quite frequently. He had, in fact, traveled all the way from Parinenai to Zerca just to catch this play before it traveled any farther away as it had already passed his home before he had gotten the chance to see it. He was forced to admit, however, that -despite his hurting bottom- it was well worth the trip.

The actors were lovely, the play divine and perhaps he was complaining a bit more than he should about the chairs and their affect on his bottom.

Moving over to the refreshment table he grabbed a glass of the offered refreshments and went to look over the pictures of attractions and coming attractions, contemplating viewing a few during his stay in Zerca.

[Kieran]

Kieran sighed as he walked down the busy main street. He kept his eyes to the ground and pushed through the crowds of people. "What the heck is going on? It's never this busy." Finally lifting his head, Kieran saw what all the fuss was about. The marquee above the Grand Theatre's entrance advertised the showing of a popular traveling play that was making its way though the planets. He halted his footsteps and debated with himself.

"Excuse me, but are their any tickets left?" he asked the man in the ticket booth.

"You're in luck, there's only a couple left," the man said. Kieran debated with himself for a few minutes before purchasing one.
"Might as well, who knows how much longer I'll be on this planet anyways."

***

Three hours later, Kieran got up and stretched during the intermission. Surprisingly, he found himself to actually be enjoying the play. Stretching his legs out a bit, he walked into the lobby and found the consession stand. Accepting a refreshment, he took the time to examine and appreciate the beauty of the building. He busied himself with admiring the murals on the walls, and didn't notice the silver-haired man studying the production posters pasted below them.

[Story Flayiania]

Story finished his beverage and took note of the names of the plays he intended to attent before going home. He really had nothing better to do and he supposed being in a foreign planet with a list of attractions he couldn't begin to name was ten times better than being at home in his castle... alone... like always.

He shook his head at his dank thoughts. He would make the best of this trip, which to him meant actually going somewhere, regardless of his past or how afraid he was of a recurring incident. Turning, he barely paid attention to where he was going as he ran right into something or...someone?

He looked up briefly at the dark haired man before blushing in embarrassment and uttering a polite, "Excuse me" before walking to the opposite side if the room where more posters were.

[Kieran]

Kieran went to take a sip of his drink, but as he brought the cup to his lips, someone bumped into him. Startled, he looked around and his gaze made contact with equally surprised silver-grey eyes.

"Excuse me," the ivory-haired man said softly. Kieran had only a few moments to take in the fair, aristocratic features and the blush that stole across them before the man had disappeared to the other side of the room. Kieran tried to keep track of the fair-haired beauty, but the throng of people prevented it. He nudged his way through the crowd, annoyed by the amount of people, and tried to spot the mysterious man. He had no such luck, and an annoucement came on over the intercom.

"Please return to your seats, the play will be resuming shortly." Sighing, Kieran resigned to retaking his seat and watching the rest of the performance, thinking of the handsome young man all the while.

[Story Flayiania]

Story felt embarrassed that he would do something so clumsy as to run into someone. He hadn't even gotten a good look at the man but he remained on his mind all the same throughout the remainder of the play. When finally the play ended he exited once more, not waiting for the actors to bow. He intended to grab a few pamplets before the crowd got to big to weave his way around.

[Kieran]

Unknown to Kieran, the man who so occupied his thoughts had left the theatre before the lobby was full of departing people. Kieran was not as fortunate, and it took nearly a half hour to actually return to the street. Okay, maybe that's an exageration, but it felt that long to Kieran. "Ugh, why must be so many people?" he thought as he squeezed himself through the entrance.

Once outside he scanned the dispersing crowd, but couldn't locate the platinum-haired male. Disgruntled, he turned to make his way howm, but stopped when he spotted a flash of silver disappearing into a chauffeured car. He ran a few steps only to stop short knowing it wouldn't do any good. Standing in street, he stared after the car, and upon further inspection, he found he recognized it as a rentable chauffeur car. "So, he's not from around here." Kieran watched the car fade from view, but was brought back to his surroundings at the sound of a blaring horn. Looking behind him, he barely managed to spring back onto the sidewalk, saving himself from becoming a part of the road.

Ignoring the odd stares from the people around him, Kieran lowered his head and made his way home. He formulated a plan of action for the next day. A good friend of his happened to work at the chauffeur company the young man had used, so Kieran decied he would give him a call in the morning. "Why am I so obsessed with this guy?" He mulled over it for a few minutes, but shrugged it off along with his jacket and boots before collapsing into bed.

[Story Flayiania]

Story arrived home rather late, his head aching terribly from the long time spent in traffic - something that was never so terrible in his home planet. But then Parinenai was never so bloody crowded either. He supposed it was still settling in his brain that he was elsewhere, no longer at home. But then he was enjoying himself he supposed, the play had been wonderful and he had managed to leave from the theatre with little trouble - his car had even shown up at the most opportune time. All in all it turned out to be a good decision, his coming here.

Even his mistakes ... like running into a stranger earlier. He was still embarrassed over his clumsiness, though why he had no idea. But then he had little idea why the dark blue still resided in his mind. He hadn't even caught a good glimpse of the man and yet he remained on his mind. Haunting his mind with a shadowed figure that had done what no other could - caught his attention.

He shook his head at his thoughts as he slips between the sheets of his soft bed. He was tired, having just arrived that morning he had had hell finding a decent hotel at such short notice, finally he had found the Citi Manor in the very center of the city, it cost him a fortune but it wasn't as if he couldn't afford it. If anything, he had perhaps too much money to spend alone.

But it was worth it, he thought, he loved traveling ... until recently he had forgotten that. It was just that ... well, there was something about Zerca that made him feel less threatened by predators, even though in truth they surrounded him. He felt as if something were here, waiting for him. Why he had no idea, he could only hope that he could find out what it was.

[Kieran]

Kieran woke up feeling confused. All night, he had been plagued by strange dreams of the platinum-haired man. Unsure of what they could mean, he took a long shower, letting the hot water clear his foggy mind. Wrapping a towel around his waist, Kieran picked up the phone and dialed the chauffeur company number. He didn't worry about interrupting his work, it was rarely very busy, and his boss was pretty leniant about taking personal calls. After the third ring, an attendant finally answered.

"Hello, you've reached the Royal Chauffer service desk, how may I help you?" a familiar voice said.
"Getting a little formal aren't we?" Kieran joked. Ven was one of the few people Kieran could kid around with, and they had been best friends ever since Kieran moved to the city. They were much alike, with their dark hair and pale features, but Ven had a friendly blue gaze and was quick to smile whereas Kieran's typical frown went better with his piercing red stare.

"Haha, well if I had known who was calling, I would have given you a worse greeting. So, what do you want? Yo only call me at work when you need something from me."

Kieran chuckled. "I know, but all I need right now is information," he replied as he cradled the phone with his shoulder and retrieved a soda from the mini-fridge.

"Oh? What kind of info?" Ven asked curiously.

Kieran hesitated before continuing. "Did a young man require your comany's services yesterday? Tall, platinum-haired, stunning silver eyes, handsome-" Keiran startled himself. He let that last one slip, and he glanced around nervously as if the walls had ears.

There was a pause on the other line before he could hear Ven laughing. "Ooh, has someone caught your eye?" he teased his friend.

"Just answer the question."

"Anwer mine first," Ven said mischievously. Kieran just growled and Ven gave in. "Yeah, actually a fitting your description came in yesterday."

Kieran perked up at this. "Well, did he leave his name?" he asked hopefully.

"Yeah, along with the hotel he's staying at."
A pause. "Well?"

"Well what?" Ven asked in a teasing tone.

"What's his name?" Kieran cried in exasperation.

Ven chuckled at his friend's antics. "His name's Story Flayiania, and he's staying at the Citi Manor. What...damn, I'll have to call you back later, I've got a customer to serve. See you later."

"See ya." Kieran hung up the phone after the click from the other end, and turned his schedule hanging on the wall. "Hmm...I have to work this morning, but this afternoon I think I'll have a little outing in the city." He smiled to himself as he prepared for work, and found himself in one the brightest moods he had in a while as he stepped out the door.

[Story Flayiania]

"I don't care how handsome you are! Stop it!" Story cried, pushing the robust man away, he couldn't believe this was happening all over again. Just like two years ago, he had been cornered in the hallway of his hotel, of all places, and blocked from sight by two men, both slidign their grubby hand over his hips and thights attempting to force him itno things he had no wish to be forced into.

"What are you gonna do? Cast some spell on us?" The robust man sneered, pushing the Wizard back against the wall.

"'Course he is, he already has! I'm sure as Zerca enchanted!"

"I swear youwont get away with what your about to do - just stop!"

"Who we gotta answer to? We aint Zercan we- Ow! What'd ya hit me for!" The smaller and surprisingly dirtier of the two shouted.

"Stop telling all our business," with that he pressed against Story and rested his mouth over top it, growling when his lip was bit damn near in half.

The slap that followed, however, had Story's eyes glowing. Pain was one of teh few things he simply refused to tolerate, with a swift wave of his hand the fat man was on hia ass wirthing in pain- and the Wizard had a knife held up to his throat with a dirty little man behind him threatening him terribel things if he didn't stop.

"I would rather die than have you rape me," he said curtly, clenching his jaw as the knife was pressed harder, cutting his skin just a bit.

[Kieran]

Kieran left his work place and walked to the heart of Scrijx Citi. He debated whether or not this was a good idea, the city was crowded and he couldn't avoid brushing against people. After enduring an hour of pushing past the many people, he finally reached the Citi Manor. He let out a low whistle as he walked inside. He had seen the building on his rare trips to the center of the city, but had never been inside. The walls had gilded moldings, and a massive, sparkling chandelier hung from the high vaulted ceiling which was supported with polished marble columns. As he approached the check-in desk, he noticed the attendant chatting away on the phone. "Somehow I don't think her boss is as leniant as Ven's," he thought humorlessly. Kieran stood silently for several minutes waiting for the blonde to notice him.

Fuming, he barked at the girl, "Excuse me! But I require your assisstance!" He fought the urge to scoff at the glare she gave him, as if he was the rude one.

"Yeah?" she said to him in an obnoxiously annoying voice before laughing at something the person on the other line said.

Kieran grit his teeth before speaking. "I'm looking for a guest by the name of Story Flayiania," he said flatly. Kieran's left eye slightly twitched as she prattled away on the phone while 'helping' him. Too busy to say anything to him, she wrote down directions and the room number on a notepad, and handed him the paper. Rolling his eyes, he snatched up the slip and, briefly glancing at it, headed towards the elevator.

'Screw this," he thought when the light above the door indicated the car was on the top floor-twenty floors up. Story's room was only on the sixth floor, so Kieran decided to take the stairs.

Halfway up the stairs to the sixth floor, he stopped as he heard a commotion coming from the hallway. He advanced quietly and heard a yell accompanied by the thud of something heavy falling to ground, followed by a string of threats. Turning the corner, Kieran's eyes widened slightly before narrowing into slits at the sight of a grimy little man holding Story's arms to his sides and a sharp blade against his neck.

"I would rather die than have you rape me," he heard Story say. Kieran growled as he saw a line of crimson appear against the pale skin of Story's throat. Fury swept through him, and Kieran stepped fully into view.

"Let. Him. Go. Now." Kieran ground out. He was seething as stalked towards the two, completely ignoring the man writhing on the floor.

"Mind your own business!" the dirty man snapped.

"Oh, but this is my business," Kieran replied dangerously as he detached the chain from his waist.

"What are you going to do about-" The man was cut off as the end of the chain wrapped around his ankle, and yanked. He fell to the ground flailing, and Kieran regretted doing that when he saw Story wince in pain as his upper arm was slashed with the knife. Kieran blamed himself for the injury, but told himself to repent for it later, after he finished dealing with Story's abuser.

[Story Flayiania]

Story stared wide eyed at the man of whom had just appeared, his savior. He could hardly believ a complete stranger was helping him in such a dangerous situation, this was life or death here and the man seemed to have little regard for it. He watched as the man demanded he be let go before using what appeared to be a mere belt, tranform into a whip by the mans use of it.

He did wince as teh knife slashed his arm, immediately feeling warm blood begin to rush fown his arm over his forearm and wrists to drip off the tips of his fingers. But still that did not cause his eyes to waver as he watched thevery brief struggle between villian and hero. He did sigh with relief when the slender man who had held him captive was promptly knocked out.

"Thank you," he said with a wispy sigh as the man cam forward, "I-I really appreciate it..." he rambled as the man got closer and closer. New people always made him feel awkward and embarrassed, esspecially such handsome people... though he had to admit he had never seen a man that had ever caught his attention in such a way, except- "You're that man from the theatre!"

[Kieran]

Kieran saw Story's recognition of him in his eyes before he voiced it. "You're that man from the theatre!" Kieran merely nodded in confirmation of his statement before he kneeled next to the platinum-haired man. Taking the injured arm in his hand, he examined the wound and found it to be not that deep, but it was still bleeding profusely. Pulling a clean kerchief from his pocket, he wrapped it tightly around Story's arm.

"I'm sorry. You're injury was my fault." He hoped Story Story would forgive him, and he finally looked into those intriguing silver eyes.

[Story Flayiania]

Story's wide eyes looked back, his breath altered by the man's mere touch. He felt heat rush to his face and cursed himself for it. He hated being so damned antisocial but hardly knew another way to be. "I-I'm Story... and you didn't hurt me," he said softly before he was abruptly reminded of the pain in his arm. Hardly thinking about what he was doing he pulled the cloth from his arm and slip his finger down the wound. With the stroke of his finger came the full healing of the wound and but a moment later he was no longer wounded.

"I'm a Wizard," he said by way of explanation, looking a bit sheepish he then asked, "What are you doing here?"

[Kieran]

"I-I'm Story... and you didn't hurt me." Kieran opened his mouth to protest, but he just looked on in surprise as Story removed the makeshift bandage and healed the cut on his arm.

"I'm a Wizard," Story explained. Blinking, Kieran nodded in comprehension. "What are you doing here?" Story asked.

"Well, um, looking for you actually," he replied akwardly. Seeing the confusion on his face, Kieran knew he had a lot of explaining to do.

[Story Flayiania]

"L-looking for me?" Story asked, "Why? I'm sure I've done nothing wrong and -" he paused, fear entering his eyes, "You're not going to hurt me are you?"