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Post by Lyra Newbury on Oct 21, 2016 4:19:00 GMT -5
Lyra was rooted to the spot afraid of what she would do if she suddenly found the ability to move. She would slap him and scream at him for being so cruel. And she would kiss him and drag him to the bedroom and show him how much she still loved him. She stared at him, unable to speak.
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Post by Julian Faust on Oct 21, 2016 4:45:00 GMT -5
Julian needed her to say something, anything, but he realized as she stared at him that he had gone too far, and then not nearly far enough. He frightened himself with the intensity in which he wanted her. Though he might burn in hell for thinking it, he knew without a doubt that he wanted her more than he had ever wanted Belle. But it wasn't simply about wanting her, or lusting after her. There was a part of him that simply hadn't healed from losing the woman he had loved so long ago, a part of him that needed to heal before he could be with someone. He was too stubborn and frankly too frightened to let Lyra be that person, to let anyone be that person.
Julian stood at the precipice of a deep abyss, he had been standing there for a long time completely numb to the world around him. He had carried on as if he didn't stand at the world's edge. Being with Lyra was like being startled awake. He was flirting now at the edge, and if everything could go right he would soar and fly, but in the pit of his stomach he feared the fall. Most of all he feared bringing her with him.
"I'm so sorry." he said again turning to leave her.
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Post by Lyra Newbury on Oct 21, 2016 11:44:26 GMT -5
His movement shook her loose from her invisible restraints and she whirled around after him. They couldn't carry on like this, it was simply too much. She would give herself to him every time he came around and he would hate himself for it. They were killing each other. It had to stop.
"You said you'd never hurt me." She stared at his back, not sure if she wanted him to turn around or not. His face was too perfect, except for the pained look she frequently inspired. "But this is hurting me, Julian. This kills me. Every time you come 'round I die. I love you! Just love me too and you can end this misery!" Her voice cracked, already aware of what would come from her mouth next though she hadn't thought to say it until now. "But you were the one. You said we couldn't be together. I offered to share your heart with her and you told me no. So this is on you. You have to decide, Julian. I love you! Love me too or let me go. I can't keep this up any longer. If you can't be with me, then let me be with someone who can."
"But you have to be my friend," she insisted, tears threatening her eyes. "You're my best friend, Julian. Please don't steal my lover and my best friend!"
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Post by Julian Faust on Oct 21, 2016 14:12:54 GMT -5
He stopped when she threw his words back at him, " I do love you Lyra." he said softly.
"I love you too much to hurt you the way I am." he said full of guilt, "I need to do better than this. I have to let you go."
It was what he needed to tell her it was what he meant to say but was always distracted by her. He didn't say anything about being her friend, it just wasn't fair.
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Post by Lyra Newbury on Oct 21, 2016 14:35:09 GMT -5
It stung as he said he was letting her go. Lyra had forced him to say it, she needed for him to say it aloud, but it still hurt. But it would also be easier now. They could see each other, supervised for a while, and they could move on. She could go forward with her date with Mason without any hesitation.
"Mimsy, see Mr Faust out." The house elf had been wiping a clean pot with a rag in the doorway, watching them. Lyra turned for her bedroom. She had a date to get ready for and it suddenly was very important that this be the best first date in the history of dating.
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Post by Julian Faust on Oct 21, 2016 14:48:05 GMT -5
He had broken them, and they would never be the same. There would always be cracks in the vase, and he wasn't sure if he could risk putting the vase back together if he could so easily knock it over again.
Mimsy dropped the pan and walked toward Julian, although his expression was painful to see. She softened, "This way. Come now."
Julian followed the house elf to the door. He turned to look at Lyra, telling himself it wasn't the last time he would see her, knowing that it had to be.
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Post by Lyra Newbury on Oct 21, 2016 15:08:44 GMT -5
Lyra didn't cry. She didn't drink the wine that was waiting for her. She simply went to her bed and began looking over the dresses again. Mimsy had been right when she taunted Julian earlier; the black one would be perfect for the evening. Lyra took the time to hang up each of the dresses that hadn't made the cut, instead of leaving them for Mimsy to take care of.
An hour later she was dressed and touching up her hair, ready to meet Mason again.
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Post by Mason Marlowe on Oct 21, 2016 15:24:47 GMT -5
Lyra had made an impression on him, and he wanted to get to know her better. He appreciated Lyra's authenticity and wit. She was unlike most women of his acquaintance, she was refreshing and Mason was delighted by her.
About an hour after Julian left Mason was standing at the door. He knocked twice.
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Post by Lyra Newbury on Oct 21, 2016 15:42:53 GMT -5
Mimsy opened the door and stared up at the new man on her mistress' doorstep. She was rather apprehensive of handsome men now, but knew Lyra was eager to meet this one again. "Welcome," Mimsy said with a low bow. Mr Marlowe, yes? Mistress Lyra is expecting you." The elf led Mason into the flat. It was modest in size, but thanks to Julian's and Sam's help it was beautifully decorated.
Lyra heard the knock and quickly finished fussing with her hair. It had been much lighter before, and she worried that he would not find her as attractive now. She smoothed the non-existent wrinkles from her dress and checked herself one more time in the mirror. Her tight black dress hugged her frame and her bright red heels made her a good five inches taller than she normally stood. She took a deep, excited breath and headed into the front room where Mason was waiting. "Hi again," she said with a smile.
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Post by Mason Marlowe on Oct 21, 2016 16:20:40 GMT -5
There wasn't much that could make a man like Mason lose his head, but Lyra in that dress did quite a number on him. He was for all intents and purposes without words.
"Wow." he said, his appreciative eyes showing genuine pleasure. "You look amazing."
He cleaned up pretty well himself wearing a dark timeless suit and dark red collared shirt open at the neck. He held a single rose for her.
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Post by Lyra Newbury on Oct 21, 2016 16:40:16 GMT -5
Her smiled widened as he complimented her. She stepped further into the room and took the rose he offered her. "Thank you," she replied to both the flower and the praise. "You look lovely as well." More than lovely, but she hardly knew the man so she kept herself in check.
"Mimsy will you fetch my pashmina?" Lyra couldn't find it earlier and knew the house elf would locate it within seconds. Sure enough, Mimsy appeared with a red shawl only moments later. "Thank you."
She turned to Mason as she draped the shawl over her shoulders. "Shall we?" Mason hadn't told her where he was taking her, but judging by his suit she hadn't overdressed.
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Post by Mason Marlowe on Oct 21, 2016 16:44:24 GMT -5
Mason offered his arm for her to hold as he escorted Lyra out of her flat.
A carriage was waiting for them at the entrance to her apartments. It was large and black with crimson and gold lining.
He held the door for her.
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Post by Lyra Newbury on Oct 21, 2016 17:06:35 GMT -5
She nodded appreciatively as he held the door for her and found that the carriage was much larger on the inside than she had been expecting, although it by no means appeared small before. She waited until he had sat down, before inquiring about their evening. "Would I be ruining anything if I asked where we're going?"
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Post by Mason Marlowe on Oct 21, 2016 17:19:49 GMT -5
"France." he answered enigmatically with a charming smile on his face. Mason wasn't new to seduction or wooing a woman, but he felt as though Lyra deserved a little extra attention. This good opinion was formed by his knowledge of Sam and her acquaintances coupled by what he had learned of the girl himself since meeting her. Lyra was quite intriguing and delightful.
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Post by Lyra Newbury on Oct 21, 2016 17:37:57 GMT -5
She smiled in return, flashing her white teeth. "You sure know how to impress a girl," she remarked as the carriage carried them away. "Are you planning to stay in France for a year, as well?" she teased.
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Post by Mason Marlowe on Oct 21, 2016 17:43:54 GMT -5
"I could be persuaded." he said lifting his eyebrows in a teasing fashion, "Were you thinking of getting away for a while?"
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Post by Lyra Newbury on Oct 21, 2016 17:52:49 GMT -5
She felt her stomach do flips as he looked at her. She bit her lower lip and fingered her shawl absentmindedly. "Possibly," she answered. "Especially if I had some good company."
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Post by Mason Marlowe on Oct 21, 2016 18:01:09 GMT -5
He grinned wolfishly at her, "Well, we'll start with dinner and see where the night takes us." he replied.
It was a pleasant ride and worthy conversation as the carriage soared through the night. Though he was taking her to Paris the normal two hour carriage ride was a short fifteen minutes.
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Post by Lyra Newbury on Oct 21, 2016 18:22:25 GMT -5
The carriage slowed to a stop after an unusually short amount of time. "We're here already?" she asked, slightly disappointed as their conversation had been very stimulating. The carriage door opened and Mason helped her out. The night was cool and although the sky was dark the city was alive with lights. She looked around in awe.
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Post by Mason Marlowe on Oct 21, 2016 18:40:08 GMT -5
Mason was accustomed to the sights and sounds of the beautiful Parisian streets, but watching it come to life for Lyra was a pleasure all unto itself. He offered her his arm once again, enjoying the expressions of unpracticed joy fly across her face.
He realized then what he found so attractive about her. She was of course beautiful, he had complimented her darker natural locks stating that they suited her, and she came in a marvelously petite package that would make any man itch to hold, but it was her lack of artifice that he found enchanting.
Lyra was simultaneously a part of his world and yet not. She carried herself well and had all the enticements of a woman with "good breeding", but she wasn't bound by the rules of their society. Lyra lived in her own world and made him want to stay there with her.
He led her through the narrow streets away from the bustle and flare of the usual tourist trap vendors and restaurants. He stopped in front of a rather unassuming door and tapped his wand while ennunciating a secret word. The door transformed magically into a beautiful onyx archway and glittering marble stones.
"This way sir, madame." a man in impeccable dressrobes addressed them.
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