What Happens in Gotham... Part I
Who: Axel, Darlene, Lyra, Prank
Where: Gotham, Vortex, Darlene's Place
When: Sunday Night
.......
Gotham City looming in the distance was a touch depressing. Impressive but depressing. Keystone was… Warmer. Much much warmer. The last time he’d been here the boy wonder that Imp liked so much had taken offense at Axel’s fun involving fast cars. Glancing down at the speedometer Axel snickered.
Fifty-six miles over the speed limit.
He really wanted to talk to Lyra and Darlene - didn’t know if it’d help be…
Two weeks ago she helped him understand…
"Can we talk about something?"
"Uhm sure?" She looks up over her shoulder. "Liikkkee what?"
"Owen." Axel admitted softly hooking his chin over her shoulder.
"Ohh Boyyy. Talk about guesses and the first don't count." She chuckles and shrug. "Sure, what about 'im?"
"I don't think we're normal. I mean - I'm never normal yanno - but there's just this.... lack of expectation that I wasn't expecting?"
"You mean--like no boundaries or real rules just..you and Him and whatever you come see each other you're cool but otherwise whatever?" She head tilts and tries to understand what he means."
"Well kinda except... I'm - he brought me there and now I'm there and he seems happy with me there but... Isn't it supposed to be a little more difficult then this or... It's just not what I was expecting. I think about him all the time - it just keeps circling back no matter what else there is... No matter how bad it gets but I doubt it works the same way for him... He's so.... Put together and sure of himself and I'm so full of doubt."
"So you were expecting more of the Drama-complex-ville then Plesantville of how things are going--right?" She turns so she rests her shoulder against the side front of his chest, still sitting but her legs are swung over a leg of his, princess style carry without the carry style. "Like with us. Drama happened. you're expecting difficulties..not this calmness between you two." She munches a bit more on popcorn. "He's ALSO older then you and had a pretty good life then both of us. So it makes sense.."
"I feel like I'm... playing house." He admitted.
"Well, ACTUALLY? you have a gimp and now you just need a cane and Owen would make a good Wilson..." She laughs and shakes her head. "I understand. Well? you should go OUT somewhere. Maybe go TRAIN somewhere. Hell go to a CLUB downtown! Get in tight sexy clothing and just have a wild night and whatnot! I LOVE danger. But Gotham IS Danger so this slow stuff HAS been getting to me. Why Darlene and I have been just simple roaming about the rooftops.."
Axel gave an almost sobbed laugh. "Trust me Lyr - my life has been anything but un-dangerous the last few weeks but a night off sounds wonderful. I'd look silly with that facial hair - and I really don't want Owen to have that many exs besides you're far too wonderful to be Cameron and not dying to be Thirteen." He sighed leaning his head against the wall rolling his neck a bit. "He's so... sweet and I feel so.... bad? When I try and talk to him. I know how much some of it bothers him and I just can't... Bear with me here I'm sorry for this sentence? I want to connect everywhere the way we connect in bed and I don't mean that in a naughty way."
Lyra smiles lightly a bit at his words then sighs. "Its alright. I mean, like that ONE butt-call was gonna be the last for you guys." She rolls her eyes with a grin, not meaning it badly by any means. "Look--He also doesn't want to change you. I don't think he knows the wild side of you or understand it. He's a good boy. That's just it. Like--yanno. Sandy in the sexy outfit at the end of grease and your--Danny? well you sort of remind me of Kanicki--so I guess I'd be Riz..ok THAT's not a good example..."
She laughs and cups his face within her hands. "Actions do speak louder then words. And in the end? No matter what you've done or have done? He loves and cares for you FOR you..not your actions when not with him or whatnot. Owen's a Cuddly Dork. You're the Bas ass..Opposites attract? If I got off topic? please indulge me with another question. Guess I'm like a broken pink -ball ehe."
Axel shakes her a moment then peers at her quizzically. "Big important question oh mystic Lyra - Are there more Milk Duds?" Axel grins letting go of her and playing with the edge of the towel. "We haven't really done anything yanno - It's been a rough week. I'm not used to having someone there - all the time? I can't keep my attention there - whether my thoughts are there or not. He keeps looking at me like... Like I'm a bird that keeps flying off, like a pigeon yanno? and then I come back and I don't think to.... I love him." A simple slightly hard statement. "I love him - and I'm so fucking scared especially with everything that's going on."
"Wah!" She states and looks a little jarred and eyes him. "Perhaps-ask again like that and then a big FUCK No!" She laughs and listens a bit more, eyes seeing him playing with the towel but doesn't mind. She smirks a bit that goes into a smile and she sighs. "Ah Mi, Young love.." She starts and scratches his scalp. "As someone once said. "If you truly love something? set it free. if it comes back? its meant to be. You're new at this and I doubt Owen would PIN you down. You're like your Sign. Air, free, wistful and all that jazz. Owen seems like an Earth Sign to me"
She ponders and shakes her head. "But the BIG point? He had ta love ya for you. You running off and all that jazz. HE HAS your cell phone number and he trusts you. TRUST is a big thing--so I think you just dunno if it'll last? what is to come and how to play this game. Street games are easy. Its all about personal survival but Love? ya gotta work as a team and TRUST is involved. Unlike a gang where 'Trust' is easy to gain and read? Love isn't.."
"Why does he love me?" It's an honest question pulled from deep inside where there's a little boy that wanted to ask that of everyone in his life who was supposed to but didn't.
"I...uh.." Lyra blinks and sighs with a chuckle. "THAT I cannot tell you. I can give you maybe IDEAS to what they are--but not exact dead on THAT Is something you're suppose to ask him and only he can really answer so--ya want my opinion?"
Axel nods.
"I think its your spirit. Your Eyes are expressionate and hell, ya got one addictive smile." She grins and lightly taps his nose. "But maybe he doesn't really know either but He DOES know? what his heart is telling him. Turn off the logic and turn on--?" She runs a hand down his chest and stops it right over his heart, looking up into his eyes with a grin. "it can help sometimes yanno?"
Axel shuts his eyes smiling. He likes that answer. He closes his hand over hers. "Thank you."
Lyra knew she was fucking herself over. If by Gotham DAD rules? She should be seducing him--SOMETHING but no She wouldn't She was getting over it which was a BIG thing and as much as she loved him? she wanted him happy and still somewhat apart of her life "Yeah--Anytime, Tricks." She murmurs and gives a soft smile.
And a week later he’d turned his back on her. When he was stuck female and after Cailean’s mind whammy had broken him. The harsh words, the honest admittance that Owen needed to hear - he’d given her and Darlene in a moment of desperate… Honesty - it all came down to Honesty.
"A few days of friendship, a night of passion, three nights of terrible fights, and a few spotty uncomfortable talks afterward does not lend toward time to talk or get to know someone Lyra. You expect too much, too fast. I'd trust you to have my back in a problem, either one of you, you more then her." That's to Darl. "I'm not always certain of Lyra's ever-changing emotions but you I'm normally pretty sure of where the hell you stand. That doesn't make me trust either of you with my emotions...." She sighed pinching the bridge of her nose. "I can't open up to y'all not about some of this stuff. You'd demand to be in on it and it ISNT allowed. The Rogues wouldn't want you there and I don't want you in the rest of it." Axel crossed her arms hip jutting as she shook her head. "I know she's worried... I know you're HERE. Most of it I just. Can't. Talk. About. And what I can - I don't want to. I don't want to share it. I don't want to keep talking about it... I don't want it to have happened!" Slumping over her knees Axel curls into them still shaking her head violently. "I was bad. I was wrong. I was so fucking wrong. I don't know how to fix it. I don't know what to do - I don't know how to get past this." Looking up her eyes seem shattered. "I lost something last night, some innocence I didn't even know I had, because why the hell would I HAVE it? But my anger and my hate and my stupidity and actions before still held the innocence of ... Madness? Damage. I was damaged and now... Now I… Now I see... Now I'm so damn clear on it all and IT HURTS. It hurts so damn bad - I can't breath I can't..." A deep breath and she buries her hands in her longer hair tugging. "I can't DEAL with this because I don't even know the NAMES of half of what I'm feeling or where it goes. It's all just pain and hurt and dark and I'm.... So scared. Every couple days I have to tell him, them, myself something new and terrible and I'm so tired of it. I just want it all to stop. I want the little voices to go away. I want my laughter back. I want that numb place back and I wish the last month hadn't happened!"
Now it was time to apologize and hope his girls would put him back together again. “Is it pathetic I only seek them out when I’m hurting?” The question was directed at Prank whose whiskers were twitching as the wind ripped through the car. From her place on the dash the kitten blinked over at him.
You’re barely clear enough to understand me. Lyra and Darlene calm and clear you. The fight you’re thinking of was painful yes, but her aid before was in the midst of enjoying movies yes? And a few days before that the zoo? You enjoy spending time with them Axel - just because you’re leaning heavily on them while you’re confused does not make you pathetic. It’s good you’ve learned to accept the aid and comfort others give. You leaned on Mr. Jesse did you not? Allowed Roscoe to at points lean on you? You’re angry at Owen because he did NOT lean on you. You’ve gotten used to everyone entrusting the world to you - expecting you to bring them information and answers. Part of you is jealous that Owen did not ask for your assistance or permission. And can you imagine what would have happened if he’d discussed it with you?
“I’d have helped him.”
Why?
“Because it’s a good thing.”
Even though he’ll die.
“Yes. I’d just have been watching his back to make sure I kept him from dying as long as possible.” Axel gripped the steering wheel tightly wincing.
Yet you were harsh enough in the alley that he’s going to assume you have a problem with him being a hero at all.
“I fucked up Prank - I know I fucked up.”
Yes.
“He didn’t trust me.”
One does not share what you shared without trust being there.
“He didn’t trust me.”
Stubborn. Incorrect. You’ll come around. This isn’t about Trust Axel. This is about loving and everything is always confusing with Love.
Axel turned off the exit glancing at the instructions laying next to him. Darlene’s house. Darlene had a house he couldn’t help but be amused at that. “I need this break.”
Yes you do. You’re a wanderer by nature for all that that lust hasn’t taken you beyond Keystone very often. You’re too social a creature to want to leave the familiar but long for new adventures. Now that you have a companion that can go the distance with you, and I’m referring to Bart not Owen for this, I think you’ll wander quite far. The world’s a playground for your friend after all and you Axel, are interested in seeing every inch of it you can.
Parking the car Axel got out grinning and scooping up the cat. “Right now I’m seeing the lion’s den… Or at least the self-proclaimed Jabberwock… Do you think she burbles?
When she comes?
“Prank… That was filthy…” Axel clamped a hand over the kitten’s mouth as though that would silence the nasal laughter inside his skull while knocking at the door and being ushered in by Lyra and Darlene.
“Hey girls, I’m here.” Axel said presenting himself to them looking more then a little tired and lost.
"Uh huh..." Lyra grins. "So..you've come to my City..Lookin' for--what?"
"Answers. To questions in my head - but until I know the questions. I need a distraction."
"Distraction eh? Well.the NIGHT IS young! We could like Go roof hopping or..a Club?"
"Whatever the lady wants.
She raises an eyebrow. "But YOU---" She grins and is nose to nose with a smirk. "You're the GUEST so? YOU chose."
"Club it is, roof hopping sounds like work." Not to mention Axel had promised to stay away from things like the big bad Bat - or any of the rest of the Gotham-based costumed crowd. None of them were sane at all.
"Then I GOTTA Change.." She winks and goes to do so as a figure is suddenly on the balcony, in a kneel and looking much more darker, face painted and looking eloquently gorgeous in that Goth way. "..Thought I recalled your scent on the wind.."
"Darl?" He tilts his head smiling at her. Extends a hand offering her help in, and in greeting.
She easily comes in without the help, but still goes to give a hand-shake. "There's boots that can help with your Height deficiency.." She smirks and her long coat billows lightly. "What brings you to wonderland?"
"Lyr's taking me to a club, she went to change.”
"..She'll be awhile. Not too long but.." She pulls her hand back and heads with ease into the Kitchen and eyes him. "What are you wearing to it?"
He shrugged glancing down over his cloths. "Um.... This?"
"..Nice. You have Sticks or Strings? Anything that Glows?"
"I have a glowing rubber duckie."
"Oh don't worry about that!" Lyra grins and peeks out, hair in a type of low back pigtails and then they are clipped back. "You'll get strings and your lookin' hot. Maybe a lil bit of gel in your HAIR but..yanno!" She back she goes in. Darlene sighs and shakes her head, going to pop open a Vitamin water and sips it. "First time to Gotham yes?"
"No. I faced Robin here once.. Spent two nights in Arkham before the Bat figured out I was there and sent me home with a note for Flash about keeping his villains outta Gotham."
"..Arkham hm?" She smirks and goes up to him, a purr in her voice and she dares to gaze deep into his eyes.."Have fun?" She licks her lips, watching his reaction closely.
A dark chuckle as she reaches up to run a fingertip over his jaw line. "Pity--but you also didn't know me now. Not as bad as you think." She leans in, lips near his as she murmurs. "Say you know 'The Jabberspawn' it'll save you MUCH grief about these parts." Lyra comes out and Darlene steps back. "Having a Moment are we?" "..Useful Survival Information for Downtown." "Gotcha."
Axel has to pause a moment and assess what part of Lyra is skin, what part is clothes covered and marvel at how revealing the outfit is.
Lyra blinks and places a hand on her hip. "What? Don't like my outfit?" She grins and flips her hair. "Catch." She tosses him things. "Their Yo-Yos. But you let him loose and spin? They glow" She smirks. "Can get you some other type glow things if you want Even a mouth piece or Pacifier!" Darlene chuckles. "You'll fit right in...the bar has good drinks."
Axel does something complicated that involves a bit of Trickster training expertly twists the yo-yos in a bit of an impromptu dance. "You look lovely Lyr."
"Thanks! The less? the better you can last on the Floor! I've been learning strings but it seems staff and more so sticks are better for me." She grins, watching him do that and it makes her heart flutter. "That was hot---can ya do that without hitting people?" She grins.
"I'm used to fighting with a team. A team of scary men that would break me in two if I accidentally hit them..."
"Ok-ok.." She looks to Darlene "How we get there?" Darlene ponders and smirks. "Does the Boy know how to ride?" Lyra grins and heads down the stairs with her bag of things, and a sweet, fruit smell with a hint of Rose and Sandalwood going after her wake. "Motorcycles..you know them?"
"Yes." Mopey look of doom warning. "Owen has one. Prank you’ll be okay here?"
No bag at club and I don’t want to be stepped on I’ll be fine. The kitten replied curling up.
Darlene eyes him. "You know how to Ride one---use one. Simple question, not a history lesson.." and goes to start heading down the stairs simply in Lyra's wake.
Axel rolls his eyes and chases after Darlene. "Yanno you won't like it if I give you simple answers to everything..."
She pauses an eyebrow down to him. "But it'll keep you from thinking and dwelling. That is why you are here--is it not?" She then continues down the stairs and reaching the bottom.
"No."
She grins and looks back to him. "Then Why?"
"Pickle" A smile.
"..Mm, a Big, Person and Dill one perhaps.." The front door is already open. "C'mon guys!!" Darlene slowly heads toward it. "Wanna ride or Drive. Lyra's still learning."
“Personal”
"Ride."
She nods and goes out the Door. "The blue one is yours. Your Choice if you want Lyra to ride with you.." Lyra is doing her make up, almost done, it accenting her features and her eyes, nice lipstick and glitter on her cheeks and body as a lotion shimmer solution.
Axel crooks a finger at Lyra moving over to it.
"Hmm?" Lyra head tilts and grins as she clicks her Compact. "I get a ride with you?" Darlene chuckles, packing her bike up with easy and goes to Mount the black bike with the Rich dark purple accents.
Axel grabs Lyra's hand grinning and tugging her closer nodding. He slips on it, glad the damn cast is off and they can actually do this.
"Awesome Sauce!" She mounts behind him and hands him a Helmet, the cool type and her own. Even Darlene sports one and revs up her bike. "Its a to minute drive from here. Keep on her tail. She can get wild.." Lyra grins with a sparkle in her eyes.
Axel whispers back to her. "Know where we're going?" He waits for her nod. "Good." There's a TRICKSTER smile on his face, promising mischief.
Lyra wraps her arms about his waist and nuzzles up. She leans up and murmurs. "Lets Fly, Tricky.." Darlene zooms, not too fast, waiting for the other to keep up.
Axel over takes her calling back to Lyr. "Hang on." He was a racer, he's done this before. Like he said to Spivot... Speed. Speed is FUN. Slipping up to Darlene's tail he waits a moment to get the direction then calls to Lyr. "Alright, direct me sweetheart!" and pulls past her. He hopes they're headed toward the bridge, there's something he's always wanted to try.
"We're gonna be this for awhile! Then we'll take the the second Exit AFTER the bridge!" She calls back, Waving to Darlene whom glances over with a smirk, She keeps with him, a bit behind but not TOO far behind. "Darlene will stay on track so you can't miss her!"
"I don't think that's an accurate statement Lyr." It's fun, fast, winding down the streets until they hit the bridge then she can feel it, Axel tensing in anticipation... Before he slams the cycle up onto the sidewalk, then the railing, and for a moment that's enough.... Before their airborne, over the river. Axel lets his arms take the weight of the bike a moment before the shoes kick in. The water below them ripples and the sound of the street fade a moment before they're crashing back down onto the street his laughter ringing in her ears on the other side of the bridge speeding past the first exit.
"What do you mean by that!?" Well she didn't know then but she WOULD soon. The tensing did trigger it and then her eyes go wide as she sees what she is about to do. "T-Tricky? Trickster!?--and right before going Airbourne.."WALKER!?" Her heart almost stopped as it happened, but something else about it--a type of freedom Darlene sees this, cursing but goes to weave past traffic and a good feet away when they re-land again. That laughter made Darlene narrow her eyes but then the expression fades. Lyra held on tight eyes were shut just for a moment and then hearing the shoes, she opens her eyes. It was an experience! After they land, She pants, staring to laugh as she squeezes him. "I-I'm gonna KILL you for THAT you hellion!"
One hand momentarily squeezes hers before grabbing the handles to veer up the correct exit, slowing just enough to let Darlene lead now that he's had his fun.
She giggles and then laughs with a Xena type cry to the sky. Darlene laughs loudly to that and she pops a wheelie to go after off the ramp and to Downtown, weaving more so as Lyra rests herself more against Axel's back with a smile. It was like a dream to her, he was here and it felt good. Keystone wasn't SO bad but home was home and this place did keep you on your toes.
Pulling in behind Darl finally at the club Axel half turned pulling the helmet off and grinned at Lyra. "Funfunfun?"
Lyra takes her off, still panting and playfully shoves him hard. "you CRAZY BOY!" She laughs, her cheeks flushed from the rush but still? It was great. Darlene takes off her helmet and nods to them, going ahead and heading around the corner to enter. "This is only the Shell of the Nexus.." Lyra motions, a LARGE warehouse looking building, to stories it was and you could hear the music throbbing through the walls. She grabs her things and goes to take Axel's hand "C'mon!" They reach the Entrance, a LONG ass line that seemed to never end but Axel is tugged still toward the front as some guys whoop and holler at her, knowing who she was. The Bouncer--a BIG buy who was Latino grins at her. "Ah--lookie here. Its Lil Red--got someone for once? Took ya long enough Chica..." "Oh stop it, its not what you think Let a girl and her man in?" "Only for you, Senorita.." He opens the door for them and its dark at first but she tugs him to a secret hallway and into a room. "Gotta keep my stuff here. The slight Green room for DJs."
She scrambles for her things, sticks, her wallet which she hands to Axel. "You got pockets." And then she clips some glow bracelets and necklaces on. "Want any if ya got extra space on your belt-loops or the yo-yos enough?"
"Light me up," He offered wriggling his hips at her and pocketing the wallet. "You're quite popular."
"Well I HAVE been doing this since I was---what ? You come on Amateur night--which was back then 'FAG' night, but THEY know their music. They loved it, Boss allowed me to do the BIG shows. So now there's a night where DJs sorta Trade off. Though I’m the only one it seems that likes to dance as well as DJ heh.." She starts to give him some to match his Orange and yellow Flare and some electric blue about his neck and the yellow and orange as his wrist and belt-loops. "I get good pay. By the Hour. Tips too. But I do the late night, where everyone is already warmed up so I got a good few hours or so until my shift if they need me."
She steps back and smiles. "Ya look good. Watch it or you'll get it from both sides. OH." She goes into her wallet and hands him a card. "Give that to Papi. He's the Cutie at the Bar. He'll give ya free drinks and later? maybe a shot or Two. I hope you'll enjoy it.." She smirks and herself in some Purple and Magenta glowness about her and her hair up some.
Axel nodded raising an eyebrow at the 'from both sides' comment and stayed close to her, looking around at everything with slightly wide eyes.
"Alright--lets go." She grabs his hand and they go down the hallway. Running into Staff, saying hi and then it gets darker and the bass gets louder. She grins and goes for the flaps "Welcome to Nexus." She moves it aside and the music was just hot. Lights about, bodies dancing, people Raving and just a sea of bodies that were with the music. The main bar was semi backed as the DJ booth was set in the middle and there were little stages about it for people to dance on as well as it was raised up and over the crowd.
Darlene was getting her first drink of the night, sipping at it lightly and watching the people from the edge where the darker side of the club met the light. Lyra squeezes Axel's hand and goes to lead him through the Crowd.
Axel squeezed back though stood still for a moment letting the feeling of the place ripple over him. Eyes shutting a moment, he practically tastes the music before shooting her a grin and snuggling up behind her to follow. "This is amazing Lyr," he murmurs in her ear and for tonight he knows Keystone doesn't exist. This is something else and he's just going to enjoy himself.
There's a musical little giggle as she turns to look over her shoulder. "And its just gettin' started, Tricky. Just gettin' started.."
.......
Where: Gotham, Vortex, Darlene's Place
When: Sunday Night
.......
Gotham City looming in the distance was a touch depressing. Impressive but depressing. Keystone was… Warmer. Much much warmer. The last time he’d been here the boy wonder that Imp liked so much had taken offense at Axel’s fun involving fast cars. Glancing down at the speedometer Axel snickered.
Fifty-six miles over the speed limit.
He really wanted to talk to Lyra and Darlene - didn’t know if it’d help be…
Two weeks ago she helped him understand…
"Can we talk about something?"
"Uhm sure?" She looks up over her shoulder. "Liikkkee what?"
"Owen." Axel admitted softly hooking his chin over her shoulder.
"Ohh Boyyy. Talk about guesses and the first don't count." She chuckles and shrug. "Sure, what about 'im?"
"I don't think we're normal. I mean - I'm never normal yanno - but there's just this.... lack of expectation that I wasn't expecting?"
"You mean--like no boundaries or real rules just..you and Him and whatever you come see each other you're cool but otherwise whatever?" She head tilts and tries to understand what he means."
"Well kinda except... I'm - he brought me there and now I'm there and he seems happy with me there but... Isn't it supposed to be a little more difficult then this or... It's just not what I was expecting. I think about him all the time - it just keeps circling back no matter what else there is... No matter how bad it gets but I doubt it works the same way for him... He's so.... Put together and sure of himself and I'm so full of doubt."
"So you were expecting more of the Drama-complex-ville then Plesantville of how things are going--right?" She turns so she rests her shoulder against the side front of his chest, still sitting but her legs are swung over a leg of his, princess style carry without the carry style. "Like with us. Drama happened. you're expecting difficulties..not this calmness between you two." She munches a bit more on popcorn. "He's ALSO older then you and had a pretty good life then both of us. So it makes sense.."
"I feel like I'm... playing house." He admitted.
"Well, ACTUALLY? you have a gimp and now you just need a cane and Owen would make a good Wilson..." She laughs and shakes her head. "I understand. Well? you should go OUT somewhere. Maybe go TRAIN somewhere. Hell go to a CLUB downtown! Get in tight sexy clothing and just have a wild night and whatnot! I LOVE danger. But Gotham IS Danger so this slow stuff HAS been getting to me. Why Darlene and I have been just simple roaming about the rooftops.."
Axel gave an almost sobbed laugh. "Trust me Lyr - my life has been anything but un-dangerous the last few weeks but a night off sounds wonderful. I'd look silly with that facial hair - and I really don't want Owen to have that many exs besides you're far too wonderful to be Cameron and not dying to be Thirteen." He sighed leaning his head against the wall rolling his neck a bit. "He's so... sweet and I feel so.... bad? When I try and talk to him. I know how much some of it bothers him and I just can't... Bear with me here I'm sorry for this sentence? I want to connect everywhere the way we connect in bed and I don't mean that in a naughty way."
Lyra smiles lightly a bit at his words then sighs. "Its alright. I mean, like that ONE butt-call was gonna be the last for you guys." She rolls her eyes with a grin, not meaning it badly by any means. "Look--He also doesn't want to change you. I don't think he knows the wild side of you or understand it. He's a good boy. That's just it. Like--yanno. Sandy in the sexy outfit at the end of grease and your--Danny? well you sort of remind me of Kanicki--so I guess I'd be Riz..ok THAT's not a good example..."
She laughs and cups his face within her hands. "Actions do speak louder then words. And in the end? No matter what you've done or have done? He loves and cares for you FOR you..not your actions when not with him or whatnot. Owen's a Cuddly Dork. You're the Bas ass..Opposites attract? If I got off topic? please indulge me with another question. Guess I'm like a broken pink -ball ehe."
Axel shakes her a moment then peers at her quizzically. "Big important question oh mystic Lyra - Are there more Milk Duds?" Axel grins letting go of her and playing with the edge of the towel. "We haven't really done anything yanno - It's been a rough week. I'm not used to having someone there - all the time? I can't keep my attention there - whether my thoughts are there or not. He keeps looking at me like... Like I'm a bird that keeps flying off, like a pigeon yanno? and then I come back and I don't think to.... I love him." A simple slightly hard statement. "I love him - and I'm so fucking scared especially with everything that's going on."
"Wah!" She states and looks a little jarred and eyes him. "Perhaps-ask again like that and then a big FUCK No!" She laughs and listens a bit more, eyes seeing him playing with the towel but doesn't mind. She smirks a bit that goes into a smile and she sighs. "Ah Mi, Young love.." She starts and scratches his scalp. "As someone once said. "If you truly love something? set it free. if it comes back? its meant to be. You're new at this and I doubt Owen would PIN you down. You're like your Sign. Air, free, wistful and all that jazz. Owen seems like an Earth Sign to me"
She ponders and shakes her head. "But the BIG point? He had ta love ya for you. You running off and all that jazz. HE HAS your cell phone number and he trusts you. TRUST is a big thing--so I think you just dunno if it'll last? what is to come and how to play this game. Street games are easy. Its all about personal survival but Love? ya gotta work as a team and TRUST is involved. Unlike a gang where 'Trust' is easy to gain and read? Love isn't.."
"Why does he love me?" It's an honest question pulled from deep inside where there's a little boy that wanted to ask that of everyone in his life who was supposed to but didn't.
"I...uh.." Lyra blinks and sighs with a chuckle. "THAT I cannot tell you. I can give you maybe IDEAS to what they are--but not exact dead on THAT Is something you're suppose to ask him and only he can really answer so--ya want my opinion?"
Axel nods.
"I think its your spirit. Your Eyes are expressionate and hell, ya got one addictive smile." She grins and lightly taps his nose. "But maybe he doesn't really know either but He DOES know? what his heart is telling him. Turn off the logic and turn on--?" She runs a hand down his chest and stops it right over his heart, looking up into his eyes with a grin. "it can help sometimes yanno?"
Axel shuts his eyes smiling. He likes that answer. He closes his hand over hers. "Thank you."
Lyra knew she was fucking herself over. If by Gotham DAD rules? She should be seducing him--SOMETHING but no She wouldn't She was getting over it which was a BIG thing and as much as she loved him? she wanted him happy and still somewhat apart of her life "Yeah--Anytime, Tricks." She murmurs and gives a soft smile.
And a week later he’d turned his back on her. When he was stuck female and after Cailean’s mind whammy had broken him. The harsh words, the honest admittance that Owen needed to hear - he’d given her and Darlene in a moment of desperate… Honesty - it all came down to Honesty.
"A few days of friendship, a night of passion, three nights of terrible fights, and a few spotty uncomfortable talks afterward does not lend toward time to talk or get to know someone Lyra. You expect too much, too fast. I'd trust you to have my back in a problem, either one of you, you more then her." That's to Darl. "I'm not always certain of Lyra's ever-changing emotions but you I'm normally pretty sure of where the hell you stand. That doesn't make me trust either of you with my emotions...." She sighed pinching the bridge of her nose. "I can't open up to y'all not about some of this stuff. You'd demand to be in on it and it ISNT allowed. The Rogues wouldn't want you there and I don't want you in the rest of it." Axel crossed her arms hip jutting as she shook her head. "I know she's worried... I know you're HERE. Most of it I just. Can't. Talk. About. And what I can - I don't want to. I don't want to share it. I don't want to keep talking about it... I don't want it to have happened!" Slumping over her knees Axel curls into them still shaking her head violently. "I was bad. I was wrong. I was so fucking wrong. I don't know how to fix it. I don't know what to do - I don't know how to get past this." Looking up her eyes seem shattered. "I lost something last night, some innocence I didn't even know I had, because why the hell would I HAVE it? But my anger and my hate and my stupidity and actions before still held the innocence of ... Madness? Damage. I was damaged and now... Now I… Now I see... Now I'm so damn clear on it all and IT HURTS. It hurts so damn bad - I can't breath I can't..." A deep breath and she buries her hands in her longer hair tugging. "I can't DEAL with this because I don't even know the NAMES of half of what I'm feeling or where it goes. It's all just pain and hurt and dark and I'm.... So scared. Every couple days I have to tell him, them, myself something new and terrible and I'm so tired of it. I just want it all to stop. I want the little voices to go away. I want my laughter back. I want that numb place back and I wish the last month hadn't happened!"
Now it was time to apologize and hope his girls would put him back together again. “Is it pathetic I only seek them out when I’m hurting?” The question was directed at Prank whose whiskers were twitching as the wind ripped through the car. From her place on the dash the kitten blinked over at him.
You’re barely clear enough to understand me. Lyra and Darlene calm and clear you. The fight you’re thinking of was painful yes, but her aid before was in the midst of enjoying movies yes? And a few days before that the zoo? You enjoy spending time with them Axel - just because you’re leaning heavily on them while you’re confused does not make you pathetic. It’s good you’ve learned to accept the aid and comfort others give. You leaned on Mr. Jesse did you not? Allowed Roscoe to at points lean on you? You’re angry at Owen because he did NOT lean on you. You’ve gotten used to everyone entrusting the world to you - expecting you to bring them information and answers. Part of you is jealous that Owen did not ask for your assistance or permission. And can you imagine what would have happened if he’d discussed it with you?
“I’d have helped him.”
Why?
“Because it’s a good thing.”
Even though he’ll die.
“Yes. I’d just have been watching his back to make sure I kept him from dying as long as possible.” Axel gripped the steering wheel tightly wincing.
Yet you were harsh enough in the alley that he’s going to assume you have a problem with him being a hero at all.
“I fucked up Prank - I know I fucked up.”
Yes.
“He didn’t trust me.”
One does not share what you shared without trust being there.
“He didn’t trust me.”
Stubborn. Incorrect. You’ll come around. This isn’t about Trust Axel. This is about loving and everything is always confusing with Love.
Axel turned off the exit glancing at the instructions laying next to him. Darlene’s house. Darlene had a house he couldn’t help but be amused at that. “I need this break.”
Yes you do. You’re a wanderer by nature for all that that lust hasn’t taken you beyond Keystone very often. You’re too social a creature to want to leave the familiar but long for new adventures. Now that you have a companion that can go the distance with you, and I’m referring to Bart not Owen for this, I think you’ll wander quite far. The world’s a playground for your friend after all and you Axel, are interested in seeing every inch of it you can.
Parking the car Axel got out grinning and scooping up the cat. “Right now I’m seeing the lion’s den… Or at least the self-proclaimed Jabberwock… Do you think she burbles?
When she comes?
“Prank… That was filthy…” Axel clamped a hand over the kitten’s mouth as though that would silence the nasal laughter inside his skull while knocking at the door and being ushered in by Lyra and Darlene.
“Hey girls, I’m here.” Axel said presenting himself to them looking more then a little tired and lost.
"Uh huh..." Lyra grins. "So..you've come to my City..Lookin' for--what?"
"Answers. To questions in my head - but until I know the questions. I need a distraction."
"Distraction eh? Well.the NIGHT IS young! We could like Go roof hopping or..a Club?"
"Whatever the lady wants.
She raises an eyebrow. "But YOU---" She grins and is nose to nose with a smirk. "You're the GUEST so? YOU chose."
"Club it is, roof hopping sounds like work." Not to mention Axel had promised to stay away from things like the big bad Bat - or any of the rest of the Gotham-based costumed crowd. None of them were sane at all.
"Then I GOTTA Change.." She winks and goes to do so as a figure is suddenly on the balcony, in a kneel and looking much more darker, face painted and looking eloquently gorgeous in that Goth way. "..Thought I recalled your scent on the wind.."
"Darl?" He tilts his head smiling at her. Extends a hand offering her help in, and in greeting.
She easily comes in without the help, but still goes to give a hand-shake. "There's boots that can help with your Height deficiency.." She smirks and her long coat billows lightly. "What brings you to wonderland?"
"Lyr's taking me to a club, she went to change.”
"..She'll be awhile. Not too long but.." She pulls her hand back and heads with ease into the Kitchen and eyes him. "What are you wearing to it?"
He shrugged glancing down over his cloths. "Um.... This?"
"..Nice. You have Sticks or Strings? Anything that Glows?"
"I have a glowing rubber duckie."
"Oh don't worry about that!" Lyra grins and peeks out, hair in a type of low back pigtails and then they are clipped back. "You'll get strings and your lookin' hot. Maybe a lil bit of gel in your HAIR but..yanno!" She back she goes in. Darlene sighs and shakes her head, going to pop open a Vitamin water and sips it. "First time to Gotham yes?"
"No. I faced Robin here once.. Spent two nights in Arkham before the Bat figured out I was there and sent me home with a note for Flash about keeping his villains outta Gotham."
"..Arkham hm?" She smirks and goes up to him, a purr in her voice and she dares to gaze deep into his eyes.."Have fun?" She licks her lips, watching his reaction closely.
A dark chuckle as she reaches up to run a fingertip over his jaw line. "Pity--but you also didn't know me now. Not as bad as you think." She leans in, lips near his as she murmurs. "Say you know 'The Jabberspawn' it'll save you MUCH grief about these parts." Lyra comes out and Darlene steps back. "Having a Moment are we?" "..Useful Survival Information for Downtown." "Gotcha."
Axel has to pause a moment and assess what part of Lyra is skin, what part is clothes covered and marvel at how revealing the outfit is.
Lyra blinks and places a hand on her hip. "What? Don't like my outfit?" She grins and flips her hair. "Catch." She tosses him things. "Their Yo-Yos. But you let him loose and spin? They glow" She smirks. "Can get you some other type glow things if you want Even a mouth piece or Pacifier!" Darlene chuckles. "You'll fit right in...the bar has good drinks."
Axel does something complicated that involves a bit of Trickster training expertly twists the yo-yos in a bit of an impromptu dance. "You look lovely Lyr."
"Thanks! The less? the better you can last on the Floor! I've been learning strings but it seems staff and more so sticks are better for me." She grins, watching him do that and it makes her heart flutter. "That was hot---can ya do that without hitting people?" She grins.
"I'm used to fighting with a team. A team of scary men that would break me in two if I accidentally hit them..."
"Ok-ok.." She looks to Darlene "How we get there?" Darlene ponders and smirks. "Does the Boy know how to ride?" Lyra grins and heads down the stairs with her bag of things, and a sweet, fruit smell with a hint of Rose and Sandalwood going after her wake. "Motorcycles..you know them?"
"Yes." Mopey look of doom warning. "Owen has one. Prank you’ll be okay here?"
No bag at club and I don’t want to be stepped on I’ll be fine. The kitten replied curling up.
Darlene eyes him. "You know how to Ride one---use one. Simple question, not a history lesson.." and goes to start heading down the stairs simply in Lyra's wake.
Axel rolls his eyes and chases after Darlene. "Yanno you won't like it if I give you simple answers to everything..."
She pauses an eyebrow down to him. "But it'll keep you from thinking and dwelling. That is why you are here--is it not?" She then continues down the stairs and reaching the bottom.
"No."
She grins and looks back to him. "Then Why?"
"Pickle" A smile.
"..Mm, a Big, Person and Dill one perhaps.." The front door is already open. "C'mon guys!!" Darlene slowly heads toward it. "Wanna ride or Drive. Lyra's still learning."
“Personal”
"Ride."
She nods and goes out the Door. "The blue one is yours. Your Choice if you want Lyra to ride with you.." Lyra is doing her make up, almost done, it accenting her features and her eyes, nice lipstick and glitter on her cheeks and body as a lotion shimmer solution.
Axel crooks a finger at Lyra moving over to it.
"Hmm?" Lyra head tilts and grins as she clicks her Compact. "I get a ride with you?" Darlene chuckles, packing her bike up with easy and goes to Mount the black bike with the Rich dark purple accents.
Axel grabs Lyra's hand grinning and tugging her closer nodding. He slips on it, glad the damn cast is off and they can actually do this.
"Awesome Sauce!" She mounts behind him and hands him a Helmet, the cool type and her own. Even Darlene sports one and revs up her bike. "Its a to minute drive from here. Keep on her tail. She can get wild.." Lyra grins with a sparkle in her eyes.
Axel whispers back to her. "Know where we're going?" He waits for her nod. "Good." There's a TRICKSTER smile on his face, promising mischief.
Lyra wraps her arms about his waist and nuzzles up. She leans up and murmurs. "Lets Fly, Tricky.." Darlene zooms, not too fast, waiting for the other to keep up.
Axel over takes her calling back to Lyr. "Hang on." He was a racer, he's done this before. Like he said to Spivot... Speed. Speed is FUN. Slipping up to Darlene's tail he waits a moment to get the direction then calls to Lyr. "Alright, direct me sweetheart!" and pulls past her. He hopes they're headed toward the bridge, there's something he's always wanted to try.
"We're gonna be this for awhile! Then we'll take the the second Exit AFTER the bridge!" She calls back, Waving to Darlene whom glances over with a smirk, She keeps with him, a bit behind but not TOO far behind. "Darlene will stay on track so you can't miss her!"
"I don't think that's an accurate statement Lyr." It's fun, fast, winding down the streets until they hit the bridge then she can feel it, Axel tensing in anticipation... Before he slams the cycle up onto the sidewalk, then the railing, and for a moment that's enough.... Before their airborne, over the river. Axel lets his arms take the weight of the bike a moment before the shoes kick in. The water below them ripples and the sound of the street fade a moment before they're crashing back down onto the street his laughter ringing in her ears on the other side of the bridge speeding past the first exit.
"What do you mean by that!?" Well she didn't know then but she WOULD soon. The tensing did trigger it and then her eyes go wide as she sees what she is about to do. "T-Tricky? Trickster!?--and right before going Airbourne.."WALKER!?" Her heart almost stopped as it happened, but something else about it--a type of freedom Darlene sees this, cursing but goes to weave past traffic and a good feet away when they re-land again. That laughter made Darlene narrow her eyes but then the expression fades. Lyra held on tight eyes were shut just for a moment and then hearing the shoes, she opens her eyes. It was an experience! After they land, She pants, staring to laugh as she squeezes him. "I-I'm gonna KILL you for THAT you hellion!"
One hand momentarily squeezes hers before grabbing the handles to veer up the correct exit, slowing just enough to let Darlene lead now that he's had his fun.
She giggles and then laughs with a Xena type cry to the sky. Darlene laughs loudly to that and she pops a wheelie to go after off the ramp and to Downtown, weaving more so as Lyra rests herself more against Axel's back with a smile. It was like a dream to her, he was here and it felt good. Keystone wasn't SO bad but home was home and this place did keep you on your toes.
Pulling in behind Darl finally at the club Axel half turned pulling the helmet off and grinned at Lyra. "Funfunfun?"
Lyra takes her off, still panting and playfully shoves him hard. "you CRAZY BOY!" She laughs, her cheeks flushed from the rush but still? It was great. Darlene takes off her helmet and nods to them, going ahead and heading around the corner to enter. "This is only the Shell of the Nexus.." Lyra motions, a LARGE warehouse looking building, to stories it was and you could hear the music throbbing through the walls. She grabs her things and goes to take Axel's hand "C'mon!" They reach the Entrance, a LONG ass line that seemed to never end but Axel is tugged still toward the front as some guys whoop and holler at her, knowing who she was. The Bouncer--a BIG buy who was Latino grins at her. "Ah--lookie here. Its Lil Red--got someone for once? Took ya long enough Chica..." "Oh stop it, its not what you think Let a girl and her man in?" "Only for you, Senorita.." He opens the door for them and its dark at first but she tugs him to a secret hallway and into a room. "Gotta keep my stuff here. The slight Green room for DJs."
She scrambles for her things, sticks, her wallet which she hands to Axel. "You got pockets." And then she clips some glow bracelets and necklaces on. "Want any if ya got extra space on your belt-loops or the yo-yos enough?"
"Light me up," He offered wriggling his hips at her and pocketing the wallet. "You're quite popular."
"Well I HAVE been doing this since I was---what ? You come on Amateur night--which was back then 'FAG' night, but THEY know their music. They loved it, Boss allowed me to do the BIG shows. So now there's a night where DJs sorta Trade off. Though I’m the only one it seems that likes to dance as well as DJ heh.." She starts to give him some to match his Orange and yellow Flare and some electric blue about his neck and the yellow and orange as his wrist and belt-loops. "I get good pay. By the Hour. Tips too. But I do the late night, where everyone is already warmed up so I got a good few hours or so until my shift if they need me."
She steps back and smiles. "Ya look good. Watch it or you'll get it from both sides. OH." She goes into her wallet and hands him a card. "Give that to Papi. He's the Cutie at the Bar. He'll give ya free drinks and later? maybe a shot or Two. I hope you'll enjoy it.." She smirks and herself in some Purple and Magenta glowness about her and her hair up some.
Axel nodded raising an eyebrow at the 'from both sides' comment and stayed close to her, looking around at everything with slightly wide eyes.
"Alright--lets go." She grabs his hand and they go down the hallway. Running into Staff, saying hi and then it gets darker and the bass gets louder. She grins and goes for the flaps "Welcome to Nexus." She moves it aside and the music was just hot. Lights about, bodies dancing, people Raving and just a sea of bodies that were with the music. The main bar was semi backed as the DJ booth was set in the middle and there were little stages about it for people to dance on as well as it was raised up and over the crowd.
Darlene was getting her first drink of the night, sipping at it lightly and watching the people from the edge where the darker side of the club met the light. Lyra squeezes Axel's hand and goes to lead him through the Crowd.
Axel squeezed back though stood still for a moment letting the feeling of the place ripple over him. Eyes shutting a moment, he practically tastes the music before shooting her a grin and snuggling up behind her to follow. "This is amazing Lyr," he murmurs in her ear and for tonight he knows Keystone doesn't exist. This is something else and he's just going to enjoy himself.
There's a musical little giggle as she turns to look over her shoulder. "And its just gettin' started, Tricky. Just gettin' started.."
.......