*He opened the church doors, and walked inward. There was a priest, the day shift guy, talking with a man up towards the front. He and Gill had decided to spend more time together, at least at first. Plus, there was really no reason to hide their 'relationship' at the moment. Thanks to D's little visit, by now all of the Devereux family would probably know about their friendship at the very least. She was following right behind him as he held the door open, and ushered her towards a pew in the front.
While they really didn't need to hide from the family, he still had something of an image to maintain, and he also had, currently, this job as priest. And as such, he had to keep any relationships, or things that looked like that, very low key.
He talked with the priest for a few minutes on some issues with the church, and how slow the day had been. The church was only re-opened thanks to anaymous donors. He'd only seen maybe 5 people in it the entire time he'd been working there, not including those who worked there. They didn't even hold mass, which struck him as odd.
After a few more minutes of talking, the other priest excused himself and left, leaving him with the man, who he spoke with for a few more minutes, and then he left. Which left Gill and Don alone in the church. He walked back over to her and sat down*
Well, another slow day in 'Paradise'. Sometimes I wonder why anyone would give the amount of money to not only reopen this place, but to keep it open as well. The church wrote it off long ago, but someone didn't want to see it die, I guess.
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*She had sat in the pew while Don was off having his conversations, admiring the ornate stained glass, the large vintage organ, and the crystal chandlier.* Well, it's a nice building, Don, I could see why someone would want to keep it. It's probably some kindly old lady who got married here and is using her inheritance to keep it intact. *She leaned forward, resting her forearms against the top of the pew in front of her.* Course, I've never had a date in a church before. I have to admit the idea is.....intriguing.
*Although it was probably violating some holy law, she had her gun with her. Ever since that little -surprise-, she's been extra careful not to go anywhere unprepared.* Besides, if this place had been busier, you might have missed seeing me when I came in. I can guarantee, I probably wouldn't have been back..
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*He chuckled softly as he turned to her.* You're right about that. Chances are I probably wouldn't even be in this location if it were more popular. I specifically asked for a position that would be like this, and if there were more people, well...you know.
*He turned and looked towards the altar and statue of christ up towards the front of the church, and sighed softly.*
This place doesn't feel the same, not since you came back. Feels less and escape for my problems, and more like a prison. Like I don't belong here, but now I have no choice...
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*She tilted her head and watched him stare at the statue of Christ as though he thought it would give him an answer.* Don, you know as well as I do that this has never really been an -escape- for you. You've been hiding behind that priest's robe same as I've been hiding behind a gun. We're both quite skilled at running from problems. However, circumstances prevent us from running anymore, so we're both here. *With a sigh of her own, she leaned over and patted him on the shoulder.* Hey, as long as nobody comes breaking down the sanctuary door, we're ok. *She smiled, but it was a dim impression of her usual bright smile. The events of the past few days had soured her mood somewhat.*
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*He nodded and turned to her, giving half a smile. It was true. He was no more a real priest than the pope was protastant. But at least they were stuck in this together. Somehow, even with all the problems of the past, and all the new ones that seemed to be stacking up...it gave him a strong sense of comfort.*
Yeah, I suppose. We have to face our demons. I just...*He sighed deeply, and turned back to the statue, not looking for answers, but something else* I feel like maybe I shouldn't be a priest. Like I should leave the order, and figure out something else for myself. *He turned back to her*
What do you think?
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*She raised a brow, but only for a second. Much of the concern about discovering the relationship had flown out the window when D showed up. But still, what would he do if he left?*
Well, Don, I personally think that if you want to leave, there's not much keeping you here now. All things Devereux know about you and me by now, so there's not much point. You hate being a priest, and it wasn't actually helping you anyway. My only question would be what would you do with yourself?
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What would I be able to do? *He turned to look at her, this time moving his body to face hers, instead of just his head. He placed a hand on hers in her lap, and gave it a gently squeeze.*
What about working with you? *Crazy talk. He wasn't a killer, and didn't know if he even had it within him, but the previous night's events seemed to brun hotly in his brain. If she died, he'd go with her anyway, with a suicide run at D...or if he died somehow, well, he;d like to think it would have an affect on her.*
We're both linked more than we want to be. And you know that if you die I'll be soon to follow, more than likely. So *he shrugged* why not just say 'fuck it' and go for it?
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*For a moment, she just stared at Don in shock. The thought of them teaming up had ran through her mind, but had been summarily rejected. As he so elequently put it the other day, he wasn't a killer, at least not naturally. There was a sort of delicious irony in the concept of him turning from a priest to a murderer in one fluid motion. Besides, Gillian rationalized, he was safer with her anyway. If he went somewhere on his own, well, he'd make an easier target. But, she had to be honest with him.*
Don, there are only two reasons why I'd say no. First, I wouldn't want to see anything happen to you. Second, I know that's not the kind of person you really are. It wasn't the kind of person I was either.
But, *she squeezed his hand reassuringly* it would make sure that you wouldn't be alone and therefore a target. I would enjoy spending the time with you, although, we're already spending a lot. *At this, she smiled.* If you're sure this is what you want, we can get it done. But, I want you to be sure. *Although she looked tough to almost everybody, he could always tell how she really felt. Currently, she was quite proud of him, and a little afraid.*
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*He listened to her concerns, and then to her sugesstions. He wasn't a killer, but he'd killed in combat before. and it wouldn't be hard to seperate himself from it again if he had to. If she could learn to do it and live with herself, then maybe he should as well. He wasn't going to sit around and be a goddamn target, or a liability to either of them. He reached up and took the collar of his outfit, and took it off tossing it onto the pew in front of them.*
I've made my choice. And if can be done then I say we do it. I'm done running from my problems, and hiding behind things.
*He felt like a weight had been lifted, and then replaced with another, different kind of weight. But at least this was one they could bear together.* What would I have to do?
*He asked her as he stood, ready to just leave this place, and this life behind.*
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*Quickly, she stood up to join him. Don always had been one for sudden decisions, and this one would prove to be no different. Of course, Gillian figured he had been considering his options ever since D left and just now decided to share his thoughts with her.* To do? Well, you'd have to talk to someone in the family with more mojo than me, which is just about everyone. I'll find somebody, and we'll get this taken care of. *She fell temporarily silent, looking down at his collar for a moment before looking him in the eyes.* I mean it, if anything happens to you, I don't know what I'd do. I guess that's why if we go, we should go together..*With that, she took his hand.*
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*He looked to her, as she slid her hand into his. He gave a slight smile and squeezed it. He felt closer to her, and it was a comforting feeling.*
If anything happened to you, well, I don't know what I would do. Hence my threat on D. *He turned away and led the way out of the church* I'd rather die. And maybe then I wasn't 100% sure of how I felt, but now I am.
*He closed the doors behind him, not bothering to lock up or anything. No one came around and there was nothing of worth to steal.* So do what you have to...make it happen. I'm sure this is what I want.
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*She let him lead her back out of the church.* Yeah, Don, I'm still surprised you did that. He wanted to shoot you, I can tell. Course, he wanted to shoot me too...*She let her voice trail off for a second before she resumed talking.* Well, if you're sure, I'll find someone and we'll get this taken care of. We'll be working together from now on, however long that may be. *She took a step closer to him, taking hold of his arm.* Don, I just want you to know that I appreciate your help more than I could ever tell you. *Her voice dropped to a whisper and she leaned in closely.* I love you..
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*He turned to look at her, smiling softy. She knew just how to get under his skin just enough. Of course, the sins of the past were just that...in the past. And he was ok with that. besides, he had to focus on the sins yet to come, and with the way things were heading...he'd be making quite a few. Still, they'd have each other to deal with what would come. But love? So soon again? Yes, he did love her, and the fact she was able to say it after all this and -mean- it, meant something profound to him.*
I love you too, Gill.
*He spoke barely audible, as he wrapped an arm around her. So they'd be a killer couple for hire. God did that sounds like a horrible movie plot.*
What do you think the chances are of us selling our story to some hollywood big wig? *He smirked at the very notion of it.* I'd want Ed Norton to play my part. You know he played a priest once?
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*She rested her head against his chest, a grin on her face as he said that he loved her. It would almost have to be love, for what else would make two normally rational people act in such an insane fashion. She found herself laughing at his movie comment, and lifted her head.* Hmm, I think it's been done before. Mr and Mrs Smith? Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie? Course, they were married, and didn't know they were out to kill each other, so it's just different enough, I guess. *The fact he was finding humor in this situation was reassuring, more like the old Don, before Stephen died. He'd always been able to laugh no matter what happened, and Gillian loved that about him.*
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*He laughed, and it felt good to let go that much to be able to just enjoy himself.*
Yeah, well...I don't get out to watch movies that often, so I hadn't seen that one. Plus, no television at my place, so I'm more than a little out of the loop.
*That was an understatement. He hadn't even heard of the movie, to be honest. He hadn't seen a movie in theaters in over 3 years, and had no TV since he became a priest. Of course he missed it, like crazy in fact.*
Ya know, maybe I should go and buy a TV. But then, I won't have a place to put it. *He just recalled a very important detail about his leaving the priesthood* No more free apartment.
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Oh, that's right....priests can't enjoy all that corrupting TV and movies and radio stations. *She found herself chuckling again as an interesting question entered her mind.* What about that Passion of the Christ movie? Did you guys get to see that one? *Now, that had been a bloody violent flick. Gillian tended to avoid ones with a lot of violence, at least in the theatres. She got to see enough of that on a regular basis.*
Well, that's easy enough to fix, Don. You can get your stuff and stay with me. I got a place. *She tilted her head to the side, a smirk appearing on her lips.* Besides, if we're gonna be partners that works out just perfectly. Won't have to meet anywhere, just get up and go.
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*He chuckled and kept heading back to his 'old' place.*
Wow, not even done with the first 'date' and already we're moving in together. Are all the women in New Orleans this fast? If so, I must say I picked a pretty damn good city to stop being celebete in *He smirked at her, poking her shoulder as he teased her.*
But yeah...all I have are a few books and some clothes back at the old place. Other than that, it all came in the apartment or from the church.
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*She had to laugh at him, it was just too easy. When he poked her, she swatted playfully at his hand.* Now you cut that out. New Orleans is just like any other city, with good girls and bad girls. Course, when Mardi Gras comes around, most of them turn into bad girls. *She shook her head.* Just don't tell a cop that 'It's New Orleans, therefore whatever I just did is cool.' They really -hate- that.
*Pausing a moment, she poked him in the arm.* So, what are you gonna tell them when they ask you why you quit? Somehow I don't think 'I'm leaving to join my girlriend working for a crime family' is an acceptable answer. You'll have to come up with something like 'irreconcilable differences' or some of that bull they always use in divorces.
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*He smiled at the cop comment*
Ya know, I think i remember seeing an episode of COPS like that once...
*Her next question was a little more serious. They -wouldn't- like any answer like that, and he didn't feel like giving some BS sort of story that made no sense. He wanted the cut to be clean, and not have to worry about any reprocussions. Of course, the reprocussions of the Devereux family and what they might do with him was far more important a thing to think about anyway. He shrugged*
I'll tell them I'm a jew now? I dunno, Gill. I'll think of something though. Maybe I'll just tell them 'I quit'. I mean what are they gonna do? Give me a bad reference at my next employeer?
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Yeah, Don, you got me. Every Mardi Gras episode of COPS is like that. *grins* That's why they're so fun to watch.
*Don had already been accepted into the family, albeit grudgingly. Gillian could only wonder if he'd be initiated in the same manner as she was, with a murder. Of course, she didn't want to point that out to him. No sense in worrying him if it wouldn't be the case.*
You could tell them you quit, Don. That would probably work. *Her lips curled into a smile.* Besides, a bad reference from the Catholic Church would probably be a point in your favor for the Devereux family.
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True...nothing like God saying 'he's a bad egg' to help rise your reputation with a criminal orginization...
*They walked in silence for a bit, before he turned to her outside his apartment building. The look on his face was serious, but also a little worried.*
Gill...how did you earn their trust? I imagine you had to do something for them, to be able to be 'initiated' and become someone they would actually -not- kill on a moment's notice. So...what can I expect?
*He opened the door to the building, letting her inside out of the cold, but still wanted an answer. He was prepared to do whatever it took, -for her-...he didn't relish the thought of the path he was about to embark on, but he knew it would be the only one that would keep the both alive. At least longer than if nothing changed.*
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*When he looked at her with that serious and worried look on her face, Gillian's gaze fell to the floor. Her lips were pressed tightly together as she waited for him to open up the apartment. Taking a deep breath, she tried to swallow the growing lump in her throat.* I had to kill somebody, Don. His name was Yoshida, and he betrayed the Devereux family. We fought to the death with swords. *Once again, her gaze dropped to the floor. This was a particularly gruesome part of the story, but it needed to be said.* After he died, I cut his head off, and took that and the sword back to Uncle Ray at the Hellhole Bar. *At the time it had just been another kill, but now discussing it with him, it seemed like so much more. What kind of freak had she turned herself into, and what on Earth made her think that was easier than staying in St. Louis with the one who loved her?*
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Cut off...his head?
*Killing a man was one thing. Hell, given enough time to prepare himself he'd be able to cut himself off from the act and just do it as if it were normal. He had to in combat, and he was sure he could again. He had no experience in using swords beyond basic sparring, and the notion of cutting of a person's head...
His face turned a shade paler, and he looked slightly queasy. What had he gotten himself into? But then he looked into her eyes and knew what. He was taking a gamble...a big one, but worth it. All for her, and their possible future.*
Well...I'm willing to do what I have to. I'll only be a second.
*He went into his apartment, grabbed a suitcase and filled it with was few things were his and left the key to the apartment on the counter. He'd call them in the morning to explain the situation. He locked and then shut the door behind him, and the click sounded like thunder.
One part of his life closed for the next.*
Well, I'm ready. Will we need a cab, or is your place close?
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*She saw him change expression, even getting slightly ill. With a growing sense of unease, she remembered her own reaction. She treated it like it was nothing, no big deal, as if she amputated heads on a regular basis. The longer she thought about drawing Don deeper into her world, the less she wanted to do it. He would have been better off as a priest. Perhaps his life would have been dull, but so much safer. Her teeth were wearing a line into her lower lip by the time Don came out of the apartment, and her hand hurt from where she'd slammed it into the concrete out of frustration.*
Nah, we won't need a cab. I don't live far away. I have to warn you, though, my place has a TV in it but other than that, it's a lot like yours. Least you don't have to worry about me having too many shoes. *She tried to laugh, but a darker mood had settled over her. What options did she have? Do nothing, and let him take his chances while the two of them worked together for the Devereux family, or try to help him become more of a killer? More of a monster? More like her? She just didn't know what to do, so she sighed.*
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*He looked at her. He probably should have hid his feelings a little better as he knew he visibly showed her how disgusted he was at the notion of possibly having to behead someone. He didn't want her to worry about him, so he swallowed hard and took in a deep breath, calming his nerves.*
Good, not that this suitcase is heavy, but I hate to carry it longer than I have to. *He laughed, joining her weak one as she commented on the lack of shoes. The mood seemed a little more tense, but he tried to ease it as they left his apartment building for good.*
Look...I can adapt. I got used to killing in combat but removing myself from it. Looking at it as nothng more than making a sandwich. And I'll adapt.
*He wrapped his free arm around her and pulled her close to himself.* Don't worry. I won't be a liability to you, or myself.
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*She relaxed a little when he put his arm around her. Somehow, Don always knew how to comfort her. it was a pity she couldn't return the favor for him when he needed her to. The thought of him thinking that she considered him a liability was almost too much for Gillian to bear. Taking a deep breath, she stopped, and looked him dead in the eyes.* You are -not- a liability, Don, nor did I ever think you were. I just *brief pause* would have preferred that you didn't have to live in my world. *Her voice got very quiet.* I know you don't like it, and that you're only doing it because of me. I just wish there'd been a way that I could have seen it before I left, and just not left..
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*He took a deep, long sigh as she stopped. That's not what he wanted to have happend when he said that. He knew she didn't feel that way about him.*
Look, believe it or not, I'm somewhat of a liablity with you being in you line of work...so I'm doing what I'm doing as a way of taking care of myself. Protecting myself even.
*He moved over to her and pulled her close with his free arm* I don't care about what happened anymore, only what -will- happen. Especially between us. So...don't take what I said the wrong way. Just know I want to be able to handle myself. I'm not exactly a professional.