"Elemental"
	((OOC: Joint Post by Sara and Paige)) March 29, 2008 (Saturday) Paige's Place “Alright Michael, so what do you think,” Paige held up the candles for him to see. “Lavender or vanilla?” Michael simply looked at her with his big gold eyes and blue fins. “Vanilla it is then,” she said, opening the jar and lighting it. She walked into the living room and placed it on the center of the table. She still smelled him…Joshua. Though he wore no cologne, and though he had left two days ago, the soft scent of whatever soap or hair products he used still lingered and she couldn’t push him out of her mind. It was a constant distraction. So she had purchased a huge jar of vanilla candle to help her out. “If it doesn’t work…I’m throwing some dead fish on the floor…now THAT should do…” she turned to Michael the Fish, “that would offend you wouldn’t it? Throwing dead fish on the floor…” she sighed. She was pathetic. The candle was for her sake…she didn’t really believe the scent existed except for in her mind, which for some reason, liked to work against her instead of with her. That and she was just a little paranoid over what had occurred between her and Joshua. She didn’t know how safe it was for her, or him, to have opened that particular door or when the repercussions, if any, would surface. But, it was just sex, and those things happened in tense situations. But why then, did she sleep holding the pillow on her bed that smelled like him? Why hadn’t she washed that t-shirt of his yet? Why, when the winds turned in from the north yesterday, bringing snow, rain, and the biting cold, did she huddle, staring out of the glass doors, wrapped in the blanket and clutching the pillow he had used? That was when she discovered the worst part of being alone…no one else was around. It was almost suffocating yesterday as she watched the freezing rain pelt the door and the boats at the marina lean in the wind ripped swells. The temperature had dropped further as the evening wore in and the rain turned into snow. By that time it was too dark to see and she lounged out on her couch watching tv. That night had been difficult as well and she found herself tossing and turning into the small hours of the morning. Her mind took her over, shaking her emotions down, picking them apart…what had she done? Or worse, what had Joshua done? Today had brought the sun out, and although it was still chilly, no trace of last night’s snow remained. Paige just smiled, knowing full well, the unpredictable tendencies of an East Coast spring. The day had found her out shopping, in particular for the candle she now stared at on the table. The other one would go to Saf, as a gift. Tonight would be a new night. Tonight, she would not be alone. She had sent an email out to Saf whilst she was away. Joshua, at some point, had told Paige to. He offered only that the two of them had been doing some computer work together, Paige got one of her migraines, and Joshua took her home. Nothing more, nothing less. So, Paige took the opportunity to invite everyone (Alpha) to Saf’s place for dinner. She laughed out loud, explaining to Michael the Fish, the humor in all of it. Saf, Paige figured, was the only one she could get away with that with. Besides, Paige hadn’t a chance yet to check out Saf’s new house makeover. Paige looked at her watch, she had to get going. A quick shower, some comfy digs consisting of a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt, some food for Michael, and Jordan was over. Somehow Paige had managed both a ride and a home cooked meal. Saf’s Place 1800 hours Baz was late. Saf stalked about the kitchen mumbling things in some language or another as Jordan and Paige giggled on the leather sofas. Baz had been working somewhere during the day though none of them were privy to why. Surveillance, was all he said with his adorable smile. When he finally did arrive he apologized profusely to Saf who stared at him tapping her foot. It was more for show than anything, and in the end dinner was awesome. Grilled chicken over fettuccini alfredo – one of Paige’s favs. A few rounds of drinks later and they were all stripping and lounging in the hot tub. Baz told hilarious stories making the girls giggle and almost shoot beer out of their noses. He was, Paige insisted, making up for being late. 30-03-08 0025hrs Baz and Jordan had long since crashed out on the couches. Paige was flicking through channels on the TV, bored, looking for something to watch. Saf leaned over and whispered, "hot tub?" Paige smiled, a grin appearing on her face as though transformed, "bubbles and beer, a great combination." Despite their already having had a session early on in the evening, Saf couldn't resist the novelty and could have lived in it. Paige leapt to her feet and headed for the fridge, "bring a few more bottles," Saf called out softly, before turning to the stairs and heading up to the linen cupboard and taking out a couple of dry toweling robes. Returning downstairs, they passed the sleeping duo. Gentle snores emanated from Baz's mouth. Paige giggled, and Saf hushed her, before leading her down to the patio. The tub was still hot and Saf switched on the bubbles before stripping of the blue clingy, dress she had worn throughout the evening. She hung it on a hook and stepped into the tub and immersed herself deep into the mass of frothing bubbles. Paige followed suit moments later, only pausing to open a couple of bottles of beer. Saf took a deep drink; the beer was chilled, and tasted like nectar. When she lowered the bottle, she saw Paige staring at her, a question in her eyes. "That's a rare set of bruises, been up to something interesting?" Saf looked down, the marks of her lovemaking with Alexei were all too apparent and couldn't be denied for anything other than what they were; although it had been a few days, the marks hadn't dulled much and were clear, transparent markings of teeth and fingers. "Call it a mistake, I shouldn't have made," she muttered, hoping that Paige would not explore. But she knew Paige wouldn't drop anything until she had got the truth out of her, so it wasn't a surprise when Paige's next question was to ask who. Saf thought for a brief moment, but she had no intentions of lying to Paige. In the recent past, she had done so and almost cost her dear. "I had to go and do some comms installations, local to the unit. I got drunk, got laid, and got these," she indicated the marks on her body. Paige looked on in astonishment. Saf thought, not for the first time, how cat-like Paige's eyes appeared. Like a hunting cat, after prey, she dived in for the kill. "You picked up a stranger? I take it that he was a stranger?" Saf nodded. If she concentrated, she could still feel his body, smell his scent. "And managed to get laid? You are losing that British reserve,” Paige added grinning at her. Saf frowned, and Paige burst out laughing. "So go on, tell all," Paige prompted. Saf relaxed, still lost in the lust of remembering that night, shook herself awake, took another swig of cold beer and told her tale. Well, everything except the real reason she had got drunk. It had been after her meeting with Sean, who had enraged her with his nerve to suggest she still had feelings for him, somehow. Saf knew if she mentioned it to Paige, it wouldn't be the best idea she had ever had. When she had finished her story, Paige had shrugged, "if you could see Alexei again, would you?" Saf didn't know. On one hand, it was a one-night stand, supported by a fabrication of lies. And on the other hand, he had made her come alive. It was almost like and addict whom having tried a drug, was bound to want more. "Well," prompted Paige, who was looking at her intently. Despite the warmth of the tub, the alcohol Saf had drunk, she felt stone cold sober. "I don't know," she responded honestly, "everything he knows about the girl, me, that night is a lie and how many times could I get to Moscow without it appearing suspicious?" Paige whistled softly, seeing that look about Saf, "you really like him, don't you?" After a moment. Saf nodded, unable to speak for fear of what she might say, and then she opened two more beers passing one to Paige, "so how's your migraine?" Paige caught herself for a moment, piecing together what Saf was talking about before finally laughing, "changing the subject? He must have been good." Saf groaned, but she was drawing the line at discussing her love life with her friend. She slipped under the water, and held her breath, until Paige lost patience with her, and pulled her up above the water. "Ok, I get the hint, but I definitely think, if you get a chance, you should take it." 02.30hrs They stepped out of tub, wrapped themselves in the robes and went back upstairs. Paige walked upstairs to crash out in the spare room. Saf stayed downstairs, covered Jordan and Baz with afghan rugs and left them to sleep it off, before heading upstairs. When she looked in at Paige, she saw that she was lying on the bed curled up, She walked to her side and whispered "Paige?" but there was no response and after looking down for a short while, she switched off the lights and left her to sleep. 04.30hrs She still found it difficult to sleep, her mind full of unsolved problems, and had lain awake hour after hour before finally accepting that she would get no sleep tonight and had grabbed a t-shirt and pants and headed for her study and the books. By the day after tomorrow she was expected to be a research assistant, and she knew hardly anything about her subject. "A photographic memory would be a blessing," she murmured out loud and was startled when Paige's sleepy voice replied from the doorway, "or it might just turn out to be curse." There was a tinge of sadness about the way Paige said it, although Saf tried to find out, Paige simply brushed it off without a response. "Where are those books of yours, I'll help you prepare if you like?" Saf took the hint, if and when Paige wanted to talk, she would listen. 30-03-08 11.00hrs Everyone was up, Saf and Paige had worked through until an hour ago, when the other two had finally stirred. Baz held his head; Jordan still looked tired, and hung over. Neither of them liked the fact that Saf and Paige looked fresh. Saf made breakfast, fresh coffee, scrambled eggs, grilled tomatoes and bacon and set some pancakes going, while Jordan set the table, and Baz freshened up. Paige watched, clearly disgusted with the bacon, "how do you do this?" indicating the preparations. Saf smiled, "Practice, practice and more practice. I hear you can boil water now?" Paige laughed, "You heard…Jordan must have said something." It was a warm and sunny day, the promise of spring was in the air, and so different to the rain with flakes of snow of the night before last. They ate outside, and despite his protestations of being unwell, Baz managed to clear his plate and take seconds. Saf thought how normal it felt, sitting here with friends enjoying themselves, and then reminded herself that feeling and being were two different things. After they had left, Saf had tidied up, before returning to her books. The time Paige had spent with her had been useful, and she now had the basics, Gray had also provided a list of essential information that she should know and she studied that until the onslaught of information had become too much. Her head pounded and she decided that she would take a break. She put on some CDs she had purchased yesterday in her marathon shop, it had been quite a day, her wardrobe was now filled with a selection of day and evening wear as well as some sports wear. Her bookshelf was filled with a selection of favourites and new books, and her CD collection was beginning. She put a couple of CD's in the machine, including Enigma, Coldplay and Delerium, switching the control to random selection, she lay down on the couch, pulled a rug over her and tried to relax. Her thoughts turned back to the conversation with Paige, about Alexei. Would she see him again? She shouldn't, and yet, she wanted to, she ignored the voice of her conscience who spitefully said she was running away from Sean, and using Alexei. She remembered how relaxed she had been with Alexei, how feminine he had made her feel and she felt a warm flush, when she remembered how vocal she had been during their lovemaking. He had been patient with her, to the point of slowness, when she had wanted to go faster he had held her down and she had loved the feeling of raw power he exuded and how he had used it to increase the pleasure she had felt. But somewhere, there was someone out there for her, someone that she didn't have to lie to, she was sure of it. Alexei was a passing moment, he was in Moscow, she was in NY and she didn't have any reason to bump into him. Sighing, regretfully, she curled up on the couch and slept dreams of a faceless man making love to her. Only waking with a start when she dreamed it was Sean who was the faceless man. Tears trickled down her cheek, "he destroyed every happiness, I ever had," she cried out loud, "now he even destroys my dreams." She changed into running gear and headed out into the rain, determined to tire herself out, so she could sleep. She ran circuits of the track, at the back of the house; apparently she had purchased a right to run there with the lease of the apartment. She ran until her legs felt tired and she felt cold, and then slowed to a walk. Still unwilling to return to her books or her thoughts, she pulled the bike out for a test ride. Despite the weather, she felt restless, unable to sit inside able to think; instead she decided to dice with the devil. She manoeuvred it out of the garage and kicked it onto it's stand and then changed into the black and silver leathers, loving the feel of the newness. Stepping astride and kicking the stand up, she turned the key and pressed the ignition, the engine roared to life beneath her, a Harley-Davison, softtail. The twin cam 88B engine purred as she rode out onto the roads. The bike was responsive and she felt comfortable riding it, the roads were reasonably quiet, most sensible drivers staying off the roads and in the bars. She rode the bike, taking her time, not intent on putting on a show of speed, but savouring the freedom at choosing where to go, she went out along the coast road to Highland Beach, and sat on the bike, watching the waves beating themselves hopelessly along the shoreline. As the day started to lose the light, she headed home, ready now for the days to come, looking forward to the new purpose in her life and getting on with her new life. The old warring, Section operative Saf was finally laid to rest and Sara had emerged from the Chrysalis. Return