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Post by Ramon Salvatore on Oct 25, 2011 22:42:41 GMT -5
"Hey, now, you're not exactly shy, babe," Ramon teased, grinning at her. "Never went for the shy type, anyway. Way too boring, you know? You gotta live life, instead of holding it all in."
Someone probably could have pointed out to him that his unemployed status while he worked on an album that, in all likelihood would never actually happen wasn't exactly an example of living life, nor was his tendency to drink too much and make himself numb to all the frustrations of life. Luckily for him, of course, he chose companions who felt the same way he did, and did the same kinds of things.
"Oh, hey, Lex, I almost forgot. I have a gig tomorrow at Stu's. Just a short set, and I'll probably get chucked off the stage after two songs, but I thought I'd let you know in case you could stop by. Ilsa's gonna blow off school and come see me, right, babe?"
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Post by Alexis Oliver on Oct 25, 2011 22:57:04 GMT -5
"Love to," Lexi said, "but I can't. Working at the Nail tomorrow night. Rusty almost never gives me a night off... he says business is better when I'm working. I'll be out at midnight, but you'll probably be done by then. But that's cool... who booked you? Was it the blonde? I've heard she's my competition. You know, cute blonde barmaid working at seedy bar? I sometimes get guys coming in asking for drinks she supposedly invented. I just dump a lot of different stuff in a glass... the guys who come in the Nail aren't exactly known for their refined tastes, anyway."
She rolled her eyes at this and moved a little closer to the nameless guy she was dancing with. "Other than that, though, not much going on with me. I haven't seen any of my family in months, and I'm still single. I'm kind of OK with both."
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Post by Ilsa Richmond on Oct 25, 2011 23:52:48 GMT -5
Ilsa laughed. "I knew you liked me for my big mouth." For whatever reason, their loud and out of control personalities just meshed, and whether or not it was love didn't bother Ilsa, like it seemed to bother most teenage girls like her. It just didn't matter to her, though.
"And yeah, I'll be there." She wished that he hadn't brought up her ditching school. It reminded her again just how much of a kid she must have looked like to them both, and her smile, if only there was someone around to notice it, suggest that she was about to talk a tougher game to compensate for this. She was certain she would just feel so much more secure about herself when she graduated.
"You should come anyway. We will probably stay for a couple of drinks after the fact. Or maybe we can just head over to you."
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Post by Alexis Oliver on Oct 28, 2011 23:54:29 GMT -5
It didn't bother Lexi that Ilsa was still in school. She didn't have a lot of female friends, and Ilsa reminded her of herself. Like Ilsa, Lexi had a perfect sibling and parents that just didn't get her. She didn't have high ambitions, was drawn to the wild side and was utterly bored with the idea of living a "productive" life. Lexi believed that life was an adventure, and she intended to make the most of it. And if her parents were going to disapproving and disappointed, then Lexi didn't need them.
Of course, that was the biggest difference between her and Ilsa. It was always kind of obvious, even to Lexi, who didn't think too carefully about such things, that Ilsa mostly just wanted her parents' attention and approval. Lexi, on the other hand, had already had her parents' attention. She was the oldest, and until the twins were born, she was the only girl. But they put all these ridiculous, overbearing expectations on her, and she wanted no part of that. She was not going to be some vapid society girl, working a boring desk job at the Ministry, marrying a wealthy pureblood and having a brood of perfect children. Lexi wanted to choose her own path, and be her own person. She would have liked to have her parents' approval, but she'd long since accepted that she'd never get it.
"Oh, really? You wanna come visit me at the Nail?" she said, raising her eyebrows. She highly doubted that Ilsa's parents would be thrilled about her going to Knockturn Alley. She should discourage it... but then Lexi never did anything she should do.
"I'd love it if you guys came by. But if you do, make sure you don't wear open-toed shoes. Or nice shoes. Wear boots. Just... trust me."
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Post by Ilsa Richmond on Nov 2, 2011 16:14:06 GMT -5
Ilsa shrugged. "Yeah, why not?" She glanced at Ramon, though if he said no, she'd just go by herself anyway. And really, the fact that her parents wouldn't like it made it all the more appealing to her. One day, her parents would figure this out.
"No nice shoes. Got it." She'd made up her mind already... she definitely wasn't going back to school tonight. She didn't care if her parents were owled in the morning. She didn't even care if she was kicked out of Hogwarts because of it. And she didn't think her parents would be too worried anyway. Or maybe they would think she ran away... it wasn't like she hadn't pulled that stunt before.
For just a day, she wanted to stay with Ramon and see what it would be like. They of course hadn't talked about any plans after she graduating. Planning futures just seemed overbearing and took all of the excitement out of it. But she wanted to wake up in his arms, waste away a day with him, and see his show at night. That sounded infinitely more interesting than studying for NEWTs.
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Post by Alexis Oliver on Nov 5, 2011 22:57:47 GMT -5
Lexi shot a look at Ramon, silently checking to make sure he was on board with this plan. Altohugh she thought Ilsa could handle herself, even in a place like the Rusty Nail, she was also pretty sure that Ilsa had no idea what the place was like.
It was a pretty rough place... Rougher than any of the other bars Ilsa had ever been to. Lexi had seen more than Ilsa could probably imagine since she'd been working there. She'd been groped more times than she could count, and had broken up quite a few fights. Once she'd been assaulted, and she'd even witnessed a murder. These were things that no one talked about... even the occasional Ministry raids had no effect. But she also didn't believe in "protecting" her friend from any of this. It was pointless to prevent someone from experiencing things that were "dangerous," because then they'd never be able to protect themselves if they ever found themselves in trouble. Just the same, however, if Ramon didn't want to go to the Rusty Nail, she would discourage Ilsa from doing so as well.
"Cool. How about you, Ramon? Do you think you'll be too tired after your set to join me over at the Nail?"
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Post by Ramon Salvatore on Nov 9, 2011 0:10:52 GMT -5
Ramon gave one of his casual "couldn't give a damn" sort of shrugs. "Yeah, we'll swing by," he replied. He'd been to the Rusty Nail before, and while it wasn't exactly his sort of scene, he didn't think it was that big of a deal, either. Yeah, it was dirty, sleazy, and generally unsavory, but most of the times he'd been there, everyone seemed to keep to themselves, just drinking and mumbling in dark corners. He hadn't seen any of the things Lexi had.
"It'll be cool," he said, shrugging. It's good to get out of Hogsmeade once in a while, you know? Hey, maybe after that, we can all go to this cool muggle club in London. You'd love it, Ilse."
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Post by Bootes Sampson on Nov 13, 2011 1:37:37 GMT -5
Bootes pushed through a crowd of very pretty young witches, all begging the man at the door to let him in. He nodded at the guy, his coworker and an equally massive person, and then turned his attention to the girls. It didn't take him long to assess them, and he pinpointed two of them that he was pretty certain were not 17. Whatever- he wasn't on the clock yet.
In fact, Bootes was fifteen minutes early, and he headed inside to get a drink before he relieved the other guard. It was entirely by coincidence that he noticed a small group of familiar faces- friends.
Lexi was facing away from him as he detoured slightly from the bar, and he came up behind her. There was some small looking guy that seemed to be trying to dance with her, and get a word in on the conversation they were having. He pulled himself up a bit and gave the guy a withering look. He hesitated, but it was enough to scare him off as Bootes put his hands on Lexi's hips, deciding to join the group in that way. Any real man wouldn't allow himself to be ignored.
"Well, fancy seeing you lot here."
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Post by Alexis Oliver on Nov 13, 2011 2:33:26 GMT -5
Lexi sort of felt his presence before he even touched her. She liked to joke that he was so big, he announced his presence without ever having to say a word. When the skinny guy who'd bought her drink made a nervous face and let go of her, Lexi was not at all surprised to feel the strong hands on her hips. She turned into his embrace, moving closer as she gave him a flirty smile.
"Boots!" she purred, using his nickname. "I was hoping you'd come and rescue me... That guy must have stepped on my feet at least six times. Look, he scuffed my shoes."
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Post by Bootes Sampson on Nov 13, 2011 20:28:59 GMT -5
"Oh dear, you're poor shoes," Bootes sympathized, if with a touch of sarcasm to go along with it. It was all in good fun, though, and he wrapped his arms around her, drawing her closer so that he couldn't have seen her shoes anyway. "And you know I'm always here to rescue you."
It was easy to dance with her, and besides, both of them were shameless, really, and flirty and enjoyed the fun things in life. They always got on well.
He looked over the top of her head at the other two, nodding once to each of them. It was funny, really, how he met each of them while working. Lexi had been his shift leader at a short stint at the Rusty Nail (which he was sorely tempted to go back and ask for that job again). Ramon had been in a muggle bar while Bootes was playing a set, and they talked over music and women and bonded that way. And then he met Ilsa, separate of Ramon, when she first came here. He remembered clearly that it had been her 17th birthday. She certainly made the most out of the night, too.
"I've got fifteen minutes before I start... give me any good news if you've got it now."
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Post by Ilsa Richmond on Nov 13, 2011 20:32:46 GMT -5
Ilsa was just about to agree to go to the muggle club Ramon mentioned when she caught sight of Ramon heading towards them. He was not an easy guy to miss, after all- he stood a head and a half above the crowd, usually, and was the size of a brick house. She smiled at him, but remained quiet until he scared off the guy with Lexi.
She always wondered if they ever hooked up. And if they hadn't, when they would. It just seemed natural between them, and though neither seemed to be in a place where they wanted to settle down, they looked cute together.
"Good news," she repeated. "Ramon's playing a gig at Stu's tomorrow night. You should come. We're all going out after, too."
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Post by Ramon Salvatore on Nov 13, 2011 22:57:02 GMT -5
"Booooots!" Ramon greeted his friend. He reached over and gave him a quick fist-bump as Bootes wrapped his arms around Lexi.
Ramon didn't bother to wonder whether Bootes and Lexi were involved or not. He simply assumed that they were, but that it wasn't something anyone talked about. Both were hopeless flirts, with no interest in commitment, so they didn't make a big deal out of it. But he also thought that they were good for each other... he just hoped they would realize it eventually.
"It's not a big deal. Just a couple of songs, probably. I haven't even decided what I'll play yet... Half of my songs still need a bit of tweaking. But my muse is staying over tonight..." he gave Ilsa a little squeeze. "So I should get them all done in no time."
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Post by Alexis Oliver on Nov 13, 2011 23:15:23 GMT -5
Lexi pressed herself against Bootes in a surprisingly subtle way. She liked the way his body seemed to envelop hers, like a large, protective cocoon. She didn't really know what this thing was between them, but she liked not putting a label on it. They were free to see other people, there was no commitment, and yet it was comforting to be able to come back to him. She felt protected and safe with him, and yet never bored. How could she be bored? The man was a tank, with eyes that smoldered and lips that scalded. If she thought about it, she might have realized that he was perfect for her, but she wasn't ready for another relationship.
Right now, she liked the fact that all the boys that had panted after her when she first walked in were now slinking away with their tails between their legs. They would see her with Bootes, and give up all hope, knowing they couldn't compete--and they didn't dare to. He could easily snap any one of them in half if they dared to hurt her.
"Fifteen minutes, huh?" Lexi pouted. "That's not much time... think there's enough time to make all the other boys jealous?"
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Post by Bootes Sampson on Nov 13, 2011 23:40:46 GMT -5
"Hey, it just starts as a couple of songs. When I got started, I played for knuts on street corners. I'd still take a four song set if it was offered." He was happy for Ramon- a set was a set, it didn't matter how many or how few songs.
He glanced at Ilsa as Ramon referenced her, and smiled slightly. He didn't have time to let his thoughts linger here, because Lexi was making her presence known to him, and he just as subtly tightened his grip on her. "Anyway, I'll be there. Now, if you'll excuse us, I need to make an impression." He winked at Lexi, giving her his full attention at that point. Besides, he figured Ramon and Ilsa could use a moment to themselves.
"I think they're all already jealous of me, love, but I'm always ready to make it worse."
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Post by Ilsa Richmond on Nov 13, 2011 23:56:51 GMT -5
When Ramon called her his muse, something inside of Ilsa just froze- but in a good way. In a way that seemed like her organs just didn't know how to function after that. To her, it was the most romantic thing he could have said.
For Ilsa, who became bored all too easily, it was inspiration that kept life interesting. And in a romantic, idealist way that she barely afforded herself... if Ilsa could be someone's inspiration, she thought she could be entirely happy.
So it was no surprise when those words brought a smile to her lips, and she let her body remain closer to him even when he stopped squeezing her. He really had no idea how much she adored him, and those times when it was just the two of them, she could sit on the edge of his bed and watch him with that guitar and want for nothing.
As the other two focused on each other, Ilsa turned to face Ramon, loosely wrapping her arms around his neck, masking the sentimentality she was feeling in that moment. "We'll have all day tomorrow for you to work on your songs too, you know. We could order breakfast in from that cafe down the street..."
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Post by Ramon Salvatore on Nov 21, 2011 22:59:45 GMT -5
Ramon's lips spread into a slow, sexy smile that he he reserved only for her. "Sounds like heaven, babe," he said in a low voice. Reaching up to push a stray lock of hair out of her face, he kept his hand on her cheek as he moved in for a kiss.
It was odd, but although they were both very sociable people who were always looking for action, Ramon felt most at home when he was alone with her, and he could tell that she felt the same way. Whenever they were together and no one else was around, he felt like they both came alive, and sometimes he wished they could just hide away from the rest of the world, making beautiful music together.
"I have a new song I've been working on... I can't wait for you to hear it."
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Post by Ilsa Richmond on Nov 21, 2011 23:31:08 GMT -5
A slow, sexy smile that made Ilsa positively melt. She would do anything he asked of her, and they both probably knew it. She was lucky that he didn't take advantage of this. "Mmm, it does."
Not for the first time, Ilsa considered dropping out of school. It wasn't like any job that looked at marks as going to want her, and she wouldn't want such a job, anyway. School for Ilsa was pointless- at least in her eyes. Even if she changed her mind, it was too late now to do anything about it.
If only she realized that she was smart. Too smart for her own good, sometimes. But then, if she had, she may have never met Ramon. And if he was the destination, she couldn't ask for a better road to have taken.
"Oh? Is this one about me?" She teased. She liked to tease him about writing all of his songs about her, but it was always done in a lighthearted manner.
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Post by Ramon Salvatore on Nov 22, 2011 14:22:56 GMT -5
The truth was, almost all of his songs were about her. But they weren't goopy, sappy love songs. They never felt real to him, and they could never really accurately capture the way he felt about her. No, most of the time, he poured his feelings for her into the music, not the lyrics. Every note, every guitar lick was inspired by her. The lyrics were unimportant and meaningless to him. He could compose an entire symphony just about her smile.
"Of course it is," he said teasingly, kissing the tip of her nose. "Who else would I write a song about?"
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Post by Ilsa Richmond on Nov 23, 2011 23:16:44 GMT -5
Ilsa shrugged, that coy look coming to her features when he asked this question. As was usual, she didn't really react or comment to the physical touch. If he kissed her, she always kissed him back. If his arm went around her, she leaned into him. But she didn't want to call attention to it just in case it made him stop doing it.
"I don't know... your other girlfriend?" Another teasing comment, of course, but she didn't bother to make sure he knew that.
"You know, I had an idea the other day... and they're probably awful, but I wrote some lyrics for one of your songs."
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Post by Ramon Salvatore on Dec 3, 2011 0:08:47 GMT -5
"Aw come on, babe... you know you're the only one for me," Ramon said, leaning in for another kiss. "Who else would put up with me?"
He laughed at that, then gave her a little spin, just for effect. He was not a formal dancer by any means, but he kind of liked showing her off to the other people around him.
"Oh, really?" Ramon said, intrigued. A lot of his songs were instrumental, and the ones that did have lyrics were mostly rubbish. Lyrics were fine and all that, but he didn't feel the same passion for them that others did. He wasn't a poet, and he wasn't good at putting his feelings into words. But he was very much intrigued by what Ilsa might have written.
"You'll have to show 'em to me later, if you can. Did you bring them with you?"
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