District 1
Heterosexual
23 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Mayor's assitant
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Loner
Last Online:
Sept 26, 2019 21:06:53 GMT -7
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Post by Aria Mercent on Sept 27, 2017 12:38:59 GMT -7
"Goodnight, Elias," Aria said, flashing him one more smile as she slipped off the stool. She'd stayed out late tonight. Too late really - she was only leaving because they were closing the bar down. In fairness, she'd gotten in late too, at almost midnight. Mayor Harbook had a slew of late meetings, and she had an event to plan, so it had been long past dark when she'd actually made it out of the office. That also meant she needed the bar, with its familiarity and familiar bartender, to take off some of the stress. Aria had been coming to this bar for months. It hadn't been the first one she'd tried after her mother convinced her to get out of the house and be around people again. She'd tried some of the bars in the wealthier parts of town first, since they were the class her family once was and maybe she could find a common ground. But many of them were barely touched by the war, or formerly from the Capitol, and their concerns and lives all felt empty. So she moved around town, trying to find the right place. The Burrow, on the poorer side of town, was perfect. The people here felt real, and whenever she talked with them, they had real stories and real lives that felt important. Sure, people still came there sometimes with the explicit reason of picking up a girl or a guy, but even them she felt a better connection with. Then, of course, there was Elias. While the people and the atmosphere were indeed great, she could admit to herself that she mostly came for him anymore. He could take her mind away from Antony and her mother. He was someone totally different, almost foreign, and something pulled at her to get to know him better. So, she usually sat at the bar and flirted with him. It was fun, harmless in and of itself, and it made her feel good. He made her feel good somehow. Tonight had mostly been like other nights, where she flirted with him and he maybe flirted back, but not too much, and then she had to leave. She shot him one last glance before pushing the door open out into the mildly chilly night, unaware that someone had gotten up to follow her out. "Where are you heading tonight, sweetheart?" Aria heard behind her after she's gone a few steps. She turned to find a man, older than her and a bit shabbily dressed, a few steps behind her. She immediately admonished herself for thinking his clothing was shabby. Many of her clothes were handed down, but they were her mother's and were still in nice condition. Tonight she had on a blue halter dress that really brought out her eyes, its skirt flaring to stop just above her knees. He was in a baggy shirt and jeans, a knit hat on his head. He didn't have a wealthy past to call back to, and he might be a perfectly nice person. Aria smiled. "I'm just heading home," she responded. "Need some company?" he asked, his smile widening as he stepped closer. "No, thank you. I'm sorry, but it's late and I really need to get home." Then she turned and began to walk away, thinking that would work well enough. It usually did, because people generally understood that no meant no. Then she felt a pull on her wrist and she screamed, feeling herself being pulled into the alleyway between two buildings. He covered her mouth with one hand and pressed her against the wall, his body keeping her there. "No thank you?" he repeated, seemingly amused. She felt a hand travel up her thigh, lifting her skirt, and she tried to scream again. Almost no sound escaped. "A girl like you doesn't come to a bar like this expecting to go home alone, does she?" His breath was hot in her face and stank of alcohol. She tried to push him off, but he didn't even budge. She'd never been very strong, but he obviously was. She felt useless, worse even than when Anthony was in one of his moods. She knew his moods wouldn't last long, that he would stop, but she knew nothing about this man. She could feel what he wanted, and it scared her to think that she might not be able to do anything about it.
WC: 738 Tag: Elias R. Jagger Notes: Starting this girl off with a bang
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District 1
Heterosexual
24 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Bartender/Bouncer/Entertainer/Mercenary
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Last Online:
Aug 31, 2020 7:13:06 GMT -7
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Post by Elias R. Jagger on Sept 27, 2017 13:02:21 GMT -7
Eli worked alone that night. It was Lia's night off and that meant the bar was full of very drunk men and flirting women. It always amused him the kinds of people they got at the bar. He was slightly distracted, mostly because he was still thinking about the other night with Lia. It was a mistake, he knew it was. And Lia had proven it was a mistake when the next coupe of days went by just like they always had. Just like nothing had ever happened. Eli played his part, pretending that what happened between them meant nothing. He was right that it would hurt, and he was also right that he could keep making the same mistakes over and over again if she wanted him to. This was before everything went wrong... But tonight, something would happen that would change his life. Someone would change his life. She was back, the beautiful blonde that always showed off her assets. He'd always admired her body, flirted with her even, but also casually turned her down or changed the subject when she'd hint at something outside of the bar. He couldn't do it, not with her. There were so many women who he had done it with. He'd walked them home, gone inside, and into their beds. But this girl was different, no matter how similar she looked to the other women that only wanted one thing from him. He felt that she needed more. Every time her fingers would brush against his arm. Every laugh. Every smile she flashed him. They all held that sadness he could see in her eyes. That desperation that said she needed someone and not just for tonight. Eli couldn't give that to her. So instead he flirted with her, gave her what she needed at that time, but refused to let it go any further. She was easily one of the most beautiful women he'd ever seen, but he couldn't bring himself to give in to her. What would happen after? She'd hate him, she'd hate herself. After the last of the customers left, he closed up the bar. It was an early night for him and he was eager to get home to Emilia. She'd probably still be awake. The woman was only a few streets ahead of him. She'd stopped talking to some mad. Eli scowled, he couldn't hear anything they were saying but it was clear she didn't know him and the man was clearly no beggar asking for money. He walked faster, but the man pulled her into an alleyway. Eli ran. He felt for his knife behind his back on the belt, but it wasn't there. A flash in his thoughts reminded him that he had lost it somewhere, the last time he'd seen it was when he went to Lia's house. It didn't matter. The moment he ran into the alley, he found their shadows against a wall. Eli didn't hesitate, he pulled the man off her and punched him in the face. The man stumbled back, but Eli grabbed at the man's chest, catching a piece of his clothing and pulling him back in. Then Eli punched him again. This time, he let the man fall. The man didn't move. Eli looked at the woman, Aria. "Are you okay?" he asked, keeping his distance in case she thought he'd hurt her too. WC: 568 TAG: Aria Mercent |
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District 1
Heterosexual
23 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Mayor's assitant
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Loner
Last Online:
Sept 26, 2019 21:06:53 GMT -7
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Post by Aria Mercent on Sept 27, 2017 14:08:21 GMT -7
The man moved his face toward hers as Aria tried to turn her head, the only thing she could really move. Then, all of the sudden, he was gone and there was air in the world again. She gasped, her mind reeling as her body felt cold and free. She might have wondered if she'd dreamed the whole thing up if she hadn't heard the sound of a punch and the following harsh exhalation of breath. Turning to follow the sound, she saw another man, pulling the one who'd attacked her closer and punching him again. Attacked her. Is that what had happened? Or had she let it happen? She wasn't entirely sure. Aria felt two tears trickle down her cheeks, part shock at the whole thing and relief that it was over. But maybe it wasn't over yet. The man who had done the hitting turned toward her and she stepped back instinctively, readying herself to bolt if he made so much as the slightest move toward her. Maybe she could run better than she could fight, something she hadn't had to consider in a very, very long time. Thankfully, he didn't move any closer though. Instead, he spoke in a soft voice that she now knew so well. Elias. It was Elias. Aria hadn't realized she'd been holding her breath until she released it, and then it seemed to take everything else out of her. She fell back against the solid building, sliding down it until she was sitting on the ground. She pulled her knees to her chest, trying to stop herself from becoming a blubbering mess. "I'm..." she began, looking up at him, then swallowed. She turned her gaze to the wall across from her. "Elias, I couldn't do anything. He's right, it's probably my fault. I'm sorry, but I didn't mean... I never meant..." She tried to take in a deep breath, which instead was a shaky one. She looked toward the man who recently had been pressed against her. He was still laying on the ground, and she felt a wave of guilt. "Is he okay?" she asked, looking back at Elias even though she knew what the evidence pointed to. She didn't know what she needed from him or why he had even saved her, but it seemed like if anyone could understand things right now, it would be him.
WC: 394 Tag: Elias R. Jagger |
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District 1
Heterosexual
24 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Bartender/Bouncer/Entertainer/Mercenary
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Last Online:
Aug 31, 2020 7:13:06 GMT -7
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Post by Elias R. Jagger on Sept 27, 2017 14:59:11 GMT -7
Eli watched the woman slide down against the wall. He knelt in front of her and shook his head. How could she think that? "No, it's not your fault. You're probably not even his first victim," he said though victim might not be the proper word. He hadn't done anything to her before Eli showed, nothing major at least. The man had failed in his attempts, Eli made sure of that. He looked down at the man, still passed out. He wished he had something to tie the man up with, he wished he could just call a peacekeeper to take him to a jail. Even in District 1, the wealthiest of the districts, there were still desperate people. There were still criminals. And rapists. And murderers. Wealth didn't change that. But it was made worse when everyone was trying to climb out of a war. It was a long road ahead of them until things calmed down. Until the streets are made safer. Not completely safe, but safer. "You're worried about him?" he asked, slightly amused. "He doesn't deserve any kind of sympathy. Come on,'" Eli said and stood up. "Did he hurt you? Can you stand?" He asked. It was still rather early, for him anyways. "I'll walk you home." WC: 216 TAG: Aria Mercent |
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District 1
Heterosexual
23 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Mayor's assitant
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Loner
Last Online:
Sept 26, 2019 21:06:53 GMT -7
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Post by Aria Mercent on Sept 28, 2017 13:05:59 GMT -7
Aria flinched a little at the word "victim" and swallowed. She didn't protest to what Elias said, but it didn't feel totally right. "A girl like you doesn't come to a bar like this expecting to go home alone, does she?" No, a part of her was hoping they she wouldn't be going home alone. It wasn't that she was looking for sex or anything shallow, but she wanted the company. She wanted to be able to see Elias outside of the bar. To try and accomplish that, she flirted and dressed up a bit. Going to the bar have her a reason to pretty up a bit, and she'd wanted to be noticed. But not like this. She didn't want what that other man was trying to take. She didn't want to have to be a victim in order to see Elias outside. She didn't want him to pity her or spend time with her because she was afraid and he was a good guy. Yet here they were, and what had happened had happened. She couldn't change it, and she'd have to figure out how to deal with it. The man hadn't even gotten that far, but she still felt awful and exposed, and like it was at least partly her fault. Maybe she should have expected the harshness in Elias' voice as he said that the man didn't deserve sympathy, but it still twisted her gut. Everyone deserved sympathy. Aria couldn't stand the thought of being any closer to him - ever again if possible - but he couldn't just be left like that. Was he breathing? War he bleeding too much? Elias had only punched him, but it had sounded hard. It had sounded like it hurt. But now Elias was asking her questions, and she turned very focus back to him. "I think so," she said, am smart which seemed appropriate for both questions. Aria pushed herself to standing, using the wall and Elias a little to help her. Her thigh and her jaw ached where he'd touched her, and it felt like the man might have tightened his grip as he was pulled away. But the pain wasn't so bad, and probably the worst that she would be left with was a couple of bruises. She wasn't a stranger to them, and realizing that relaxed her a little. She was fine, really. Still, fine or not, she was grateful for the offer to be walked home, because at the least, she didn't want to walk home alone. What if he came back, if someone else tried? "Thank you," she said earnestly, looking at Elias. "I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't been here." Pushing herself off the wall, she took a step toward the street again. She wasn't sure if she wanted to be leaning quaint Elias or for no one to touch her again, so she settled with hugging her arms to her chest. Aria couldn't help but glance back at the man though. "We can't just leave him here though," she said. "Can we take him somewhere? Or call someone?" She took a step backward, as if he might do that right now. She still wanted space between them. "Please, Eli."
WC: Dunno, mobile Tag: Elias R. Jagger |
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District 1
Heterosexual
24 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Bartender/Bouncer/Entertainer/Mercenary
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Last Online:
Aug 31, 2020 7:13:06 GMT -7
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Post by Elias R. Jagger on Sept 28, 2017 18:22:25 GMT -7
Eli had known this woman about for about six months, from the week he started working at the bar. And though they talked a fair amount, mostly she'd talk about her day and he would talk about what happened at the bar that day, he didn't know her too well. It was all just superficial things, so many nothings that all added up to nothing. But that was what Eli wanted, he didn't want to get to know her. His life was complicated. At any moment he could dump his entire life here and leave, never to come back. But she was stuck here in District 1. That was one of the reasons why he never got involved in real relationships. Though a little too eager, Aria seemed like a nice young woman. She probably suffered from a broken heart, but he was positive that there had to be someone in District 1 for her. She just had to stop wasting her time at the bar and go find him elsewhere. No one who went to the bar would be good enough for her. He couldn't see her too well in the dark, but she moved as if she was hurt. "You're okay, that's all that matters," he said and walked with her into the street. Eli followed her gaze and then looked back at her. Why was she so worried about her attacker? If she wasn't there, he'd probably kill the man. But that was the old him. Maybe he wouldn't do that now, maybe. "He'll wake up soon," Eli assured her. "Let's not be here when he does." The buildings were fairly dark, most people were already asleep. Only a couple of windows still had lights inside them. There was no moon and even in the dark, it was impossible to see the stars in this city. Their only real source of light were the lamp post scattered down the streets. In the poor side of the district, they were staggered farther apart. Where he lived, in the upper east side, the streets were well lit. Taking a few steps forward, he began to walk slowly, confident that she would follow him. "Do you live far?" He asked, surely she didn't live in the poor side. It wasn't like this part was just hovels. They just weren't as pristine and glamorous as the better parts of the city. He trusted that she'd lead him to her house, and then he could made sure she got inside her door, and he could be on his way home. WC: 429 TAG: Aria Mercent |
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District 1
Heterosexual
23 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Mayor's assitant
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Loner
Last Online:
Sept 26, 2019 21:06:53 GMT -7
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Post by Aria Mercent on Sept 29, 2017 17:59:01 GMT -7
Aria couldn't help but linger at the edge of alley and street, looking back at the man on the ground. She wanted Elias to do something with him, anything, just so he wouldn't be laying there like that. At the same time, she wanted both of them to get far away. She was used to caring for people though, even people who hurt her. Even people who maybe didn't deserve her help, or her. Antony had hurt her so many times, but she was there for him. She was there for him, until he decided to take up with someone else. That had been far too much, and she wasn't dumb enough to stick around after that. But was it dumb to care about the welfare of someone who tried to take something from her that she didn't want to give? Shivering a little, either with the cold or these thoughts, Aria made herself turn toward the street and Elias. She nodded at what he said, giving in for now. If he wasn't going to do something about the man, she definitely wasn't. She couldn't. He started to walk forward and she followed after him. Her heels clicked on the concrete, and her steps were a bit wobbly, so she just decided to slip them off. She was used to wearing heels, both for her job and nights out, but she didn't feel like dealing with them tonight. Besides, the cool sidewalk felt good against her feet. It felt like it was grounding her a little. At Elias' question, Aria gave the slightest of smiles. If not for the situation, she might have blushed. "Yeah, a bit," she admitted. The bar was closer to her work than her home; in fact, it was in between them. That made it easier to head over after work, even if the walk home was a bit far. Sometimes she was able to get a ride from her brother or someone else, but she'd had no such plans tonight. She might have said he didn't have to walk her home, knowing the distance wasn't close, but she certainly didn't want to walk home alone. So instead, she tried to turn the conversation a better way to take both of their minds off things. "It's hard to find a good bar, you know? I tried a lot of different places, but I couldn't get comfortable in some of those fancy ones and others had people that were just... kind of empty. It's worth it to come to The Burrow, especially after a day running around after the mayor. The atmosphere is comfortable, and the company is usually pretty great." She glanced at him at that - she couldn't help herself - smiling a little, before looking ahead again. "Do you live far from here?"
WC: 467 Tag: Elias R. Jagger |
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District 1
Heterosexual
24 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Bartender/Bouncer/Entertainer/Mercenary
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Last Online:
Aug 31, 2020 7:13:06 GMT -7
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Post by Elias R. Jagger on Oct 2, 2017 19:07:59 GMT -7
There was no worry of Aria not following him, but it still gave him some satisfaction that he had been right. She would follow. It was something that Emilia had told him about himself. It was shocking to realize that a girl as young as her could be so observant and smart. She was her mother's daughter after all. She told him a few years ago that he didn't often wait for other people's approval. He would just do what he wanted, no matter how simple or complicated it was. If he didn't think people should be smoking, he'd take the cigarette from their hand and throw it away. No matter what it was, it was as if he wasn't bound to following other people's rules. There was no bubble or space he wouldn't cross when he felt like it. Eli didn't say anything when Aria took off her shoes. He never understood why women wore high heels. They must be the most painful things women wear. Well, there are corsets, which he thought were worse. But heels came at a close second. They were supposed to make women more attractive, or so he'd been told. But he always found the more natural look to be the most attractive. "Lead the way," he said as he followed, matching her pace. He was a brisk walker, but he often found himself having to walk slower for everyone else. It seemed he always had somewhere to go. It surprised him when Aria began talking about the bar. He didn't think she'd move on to another subject so quickly. But perhaps she was just trying to forget... He understood what she meant about finding the right bar. He had found it at The Burrow. It was the perfect place to just fit in. She'd told him she worked for the mayor a few months ago, another reason he added to the list of why he shouldn't get involved with her. "Must be a tiring job," he said. He could understand why she had to go somewhere to unwind, though she really didn't look like the type to go to a bar. She should have a man waiting for her at home. But perhaps that was why she had to go to a bar... Eli laughed, "the company is great, until Old Man Jenkins comes in." He didn't hate the old man, but hearing him talk about the old days and get so drunk he'd become belligerent wasn't exactly his idea of a good work night. "Not too far," he smiled at her before stopping. He looked down at her feet, then at her hands which carried her shoes. "Are you okay to walk? I can carry you," he said. Eli would have just picked up her without hesitation, but Emilia's remark about him needing to ask permission before doing something to or with someone else made him think twice. WC: 487 TAG: Aria Mercent |
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District 1
Heterosexual
23 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Mayor's assitant
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Loner
Last Online:
Sept 26, 2019 21:06:53 GMT -7
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Post by Aria Mercent on Oct 3, 2017 10:49:28 GMT -7
The night air mostly felt good against Aria's skin, although it was a bit chilly. Still, it was helping ease away the feeling of being smothered from moments ago, and the fresh air was helping erase the scent of booze and spit. She didn't want to dwell on what had almost happened, though she wondered if she'd sleep tonight. It was different than Antony, but in some ways the same. The man tonight hadn't hit her, but if Elias hadn't been there, would he have when she continued to resist? So it was better, far better, to talk about something else. "You have no idea," she agreed when he said her job must be tiring. She tried to shift her thoughts to that, but couldn't. It was just chatter, something to fill the space and try to take her mind away. The next thing he said did help some though, and she gave Elias a somewhat offended look. "Aw, Charlie's really not so bad," she told him. "I think he's just lonely and no one will listen to him out there. People have to pay attention to him at the bar, and... well, I get it." Aria wouldn't go so far as to suggest that Charlie Jenkins was sweet and kind, but she had recognized something in him. They'd had several conversations over the course of the time she'd been coming here, and he hit on her overtly, but he was easy enough to bat away. He could get raging drunk, but he'd never do anything to her. Elias suddenly stopped, and without thinking, so did Aria. She was far too aware of him to have missed it. She could almost see the thought going through his head before he voiced it. Yes, she wanted to be in his arms - and she didn't. She wanted to let the last of her energy fade out of her, to forget about the man in the alley entirely by letting someone else close, and she was afraid to. She ached where she'd been touched and the ground was not forgiving, especially not in this part of town, but she knew how weak it would make her seem to let herself be carried. She didn't want to further the case for herself that she was incapable of taking care of herself. Aria bit her lip for a moment before responding. "It's tempting," she admitted slowly, "but it's far, Elias, and I'm already taking up all of your night. Besides, I've been through worse than a little walking. I've survived a war, you know." And a boyfriend who couldn't get his mind out of it. She smiled a little at the joke that wasn't much of a joke.
WC: 453 Tag: Elias R. Jagger |
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District 1
Heterosexual
24 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Bartender/Bouncer/Entertainer/Mercenary
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Last Online:
Aug 31, 2020 7:13:06 GMT -7
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Post by Elias R. Jagger on Oct 11, 2017 11:30:15 GMT -7
It was difficult. Eli thought he should carry her, but she had refused. Was this one of those things again? One of those things that women said no to, but what they really meant was yes? He wasn't sure. These things had always confused him. He nodded and started walking again. War. It was something that consumed him in nightmares. He didn't like to think about the war, much less talk about it. He'd done horrible things in his life, but some of the most horrible ones were during the war. War made people desperate. And desperation sometimes lead to insanity. "It's alright, I don't have anything to do. I'm not working tomorrow," he said. Emilia was, hopefully, already asleep. But he knew she'd learned her lesson from the other night about going out to look for him. "Besides, walking this late at night is rather calming. It's one of my favorite things about working at a bar so far from my house." He liked the silence and the cool night air. Most people would be asleep and the city was at its darkest. Sometimes, if he was lucky, he could make out the north star. But that's usually about it. This District was nothing compared to District 7, but he liked the way it went from a bustling city to a quiet sleep as it wound down slowly throughout the night. He wanted to know if she'd always lived there? She seemed like she might. But she also seemed like she could have lived in The Capitol. But these were some of the questions he couldn't ask without her asking the same of him and he didn't like to lie, though did it often. He had no choice. WC: 290 TAG: Aria Mercent |
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District 1
Heterosexual
23 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Mayor's assitant
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Loner
Last Online:
Sept 26, 2019 21:06:53 GMT -7
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Post by Aria Mercent on Oct 14, 2017 7:43:09 GMT -7
Elias seemed to accept Aria's declination to carry her, and she was both relieved and disappointed at the same time. It was so strange, these dual feelings. If it had been anyone else but Elias who had been there for her tonight, she was sure that she'd only be focusing on what had happened, what could have happened. Maybe she would have been able to make small talk still, but she wouldn't feel so much of... everything. He had been her oasis over the past several months, even if all she was to him was another patron at the bar he worked at. So she couldn't help but feel in his presence - feel comforted and important, feel like she'd be okay. Sure, she'd dream of the man who attacked her tonight, and his bruises would show up tomorrow, but Elias could delay the overwhelming. Although Elias didn't have work tomorrow, Aria did. She already had no idea how she'd manage through another day like today, but that was tomorrow's problem. She smiled a little at what he said. "I like it too," she admitted, taking a moment to glance up at the sky as it was visible through the lights of the town. "I've never minded the walk back from The Burrow, and I've always felt-" She cut off abruptly as a sharp pain shot up through the ball of her foot and she stumbled, letting out a short scream of surprise. Aria caught herself against a streetlamp, leaning against it as she pulled up her right foot to inspect it. Blood pooled around a few pieces of brown glass wedged into her skin. The pieces weren't all that large, but she'd stepped on them with her full weight, forgetting to watch where she was walking. She should have kept her shoes on, especially in this part of town, but with the way her leg hurt it had seemed impossible. "Shit," Aria murmured, letting out a breath. She needed to take some of the glass out at least. She could ask Elias to do it, but who knows if he ever had. She, on the other hand, had - or at least, she'd watched her mother do it. A family of three had come to the Mercent door, all three having narrowly escaped a bomb blast. Shards from a nearby window had wedged their way into the father's skin as he protected his wife and daughter. Mother had removed each tiny shard with tweezers and Aria couldn't help but watch. Then, she'd soaked him in a salt bath. Here, she had neither tweezers or salt water, but one piece was large enough to grip. With a short cry of pain, she pulled out the offending shard and threw it away from her. Aria couldn't walk now. That salt bath was important for the rest of the pieces, and she was sure there were still tweezers around the house. Walking on her foot would make it worse. She leaned her head back against the streetlamp, taking a breath as her foot continued to throb. "I think... I might need to take you up on that offer. Or at least let me borrow your shoulder."
WC: 519 Tag: Elias R. Jagger |
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District 1
Heterosexual
24 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Bartender/Bouncer/Entertainer/Mercenary
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Last Online:
Aug 31, 2020 7:13:06 GMT -7
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Post by Elias R. Jagger on Oct 18, 2017 13:13:20 GMT -7
He stopped abruptly and looked down at what Aria was looking at. Her foot hovered over the ground and he reached out to steady her. Even though it was dark and he could see much, he knew what had happened. She'd stepped on something. Probably a broken glass knowing this part of town. He should have carried her, whatever propriety deemed be damned. Even he looked at the damage, he doubted he could do anything about it. He didn't carry medical supplies with him, but perhaps he should start. He looked down the street to figure out their location, but he lived perhaps even farther than her. There were no shortcuts to the upper east side of the district. The best they could do was get her home as fast as possible. Eli didn't wait for her to say anymore, he scooped her up into his arms. She was light and easy to carry. Now that she was in his arms, he could walk faster. "I'm sorry you're not having the best night," he said, holding her closer to him. Her warmth seeped through the pieces of fabric between them and onto his skin. There was something intimate about having something so thin between them. He felt her, but he didn't at the same time. She was attractive, but he'd stopped himself from being anymore to her than the guy who gave her drinks. It was wrong of him to feel anything more now, especially considering what happened to her only a few minutes ago. He cleared his throat, trying to pry his thoughts from the feel of her body pressed against his chest and his arms around her. Eli wanted to make light of the situation, something about it being one hell of a story to tell at the office. But almost being raped wasn't a subject one could make light of. "Do you live alone?" he asked but then quickly realized his mistake. "Sorry," he said quickly, "that's a weird question. I didn't mean for it to sound like I'm a creepy guy. I just meant that it would be a sight to your parents seeing their daughter being hauled in by a guy so late at night." He tried to imagine it all in his head. Would her father be bald wearing striped pajamas? Her mother in a bathrobe with her hair in curlers, a frying pan in hand ready to beat him with it if he tried anything? Eli was aware of how intimidating he looked. He was tall with broad shoulders, large muscles, and multiple tattoos. Not exactly the guy you bring home to your parents. WC: 442 TAG: Aria Mercent |
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District 1
Heterosexual
23 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Mayor's assitant
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Loner
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Post by Aria Mercent on Oct 20, 2017 19:05:56 GMT -7
Aria couldn't help but tense a little bit as, in answer to her words, Elias simply swooped her up into his arms. He did the movement so easily, as if she weighed nothing and he had endless strength. It seemed impossible that he could carry her all the way home like this, but that movement alone seemed to defy the impossible. She put her arms around his neck as a perhaps unnecessary stabilizer, and he resumed walking. It was actually odd initially, being up in his arms like this. She couldn't remember the last time anyone carried her, if anyone even had since she was little. It was a little unnerving to have next to no control over where she was going, and how fast. Her heart sped up at the thought, her grip tighter on his neck as if somehow, that would make it easier to get down if she needed to. At his words, a half laugh escaped her lips. "No, I'm not," she agreed, "but I've had... worse." The last word came at a bit of a pause, as she turned to look down at her feet and instead realized how close his face was. And then she realized how close all of him was - well, half of him, at least. This was as close as she'd been to anyone since Antony except her mother, and now her heart was beating quickly for a different reason. She had a clear view of his profile from her vantage point - his deep eyes, his strong jaw, his lips. She bit softly on her bottom lip, wondering what those lips would feel like against her own, what he might do if she tried to find out now - and then quickly trying to dismiss it. She turned her eyes back to the street in front of them. This should not be what she was thinking about, now. Aria's body felt electric, even as she looked away from Elias and tried to calm herself. It was the exact opposite of how she'd felt in the alley. Back there, her body had felt like it was shutting down, trying to desensitize her skin so that she wouldn't have to feel what he was going to do to her. Now, every place where he was pressed against her felt alive with electricity, as if she was trying to take all of it in. She wouldn't have thought that more contact would help rid her mind of the awful contact back in the alley, but it felt like it could. She actually relaxed a little, and some of that initial fear she'd felt of being trapped eased. She trusted Elias - the man who'd been her oasis for six months, and her savior tonight. How could she not? And how could she not still want him because of it? Elias cleared his throat, and Aria instinctively looked back toward his face. Then, regretted it and looked back ahead of them. She smiled as he fumbled over the words, a rare lapse in his coolness. "I know you're not a creepy guy, and no, I don't," she answered. "I live with my mother, but you don't have to worry about her being upset to see me carried home. She'd probably be elated actually, but she won't be awake to see it. She used to wait up for me, but she's so tired now all the time that she just... can't. She has cancer, and the treatment really drains her." She stopped there, realizing she'd said more than he probably cared to hear. But Aria was an open book that anyone could read, and she wanted people to know about her mother. She didn't want it to be a secret, a thing she dealt with every day that she was supposed to hide from people. She didn't think her mother would want it either. "Left here," she said suddenly, realizing she hadn't told him where she lived yet. Well, maybe she would just guide him there and let it be a bit of a surprise. It would be something to say if she needed something, and she might need something on this trip home if he kept carrying her like this. "What about you? Do you live alone? Assume the same non-creepiness in the question that I assumed from you." She smiled a little and looked back at his face as she waited for his answer.
WC: 738 Tag: Elias R. Jagger |
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District 1
Heterosexual
24 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Bartender/Bouncer/Entertainer/Mercenary
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Over Reaping Age
Last Online:
Aug 31, 2020 7:13:06 GMT -7
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Post by Elias R. Jagger on Oct 21, 2017 20:31:50 GMT -7
Eli hesitated on his next step. He knew he hadn't misheard when she said she'd had worst nights. "I'm sorry," he said and waited. He wasn't sure if he should press on. Asking questions always got him in trouble because then, he was asked the questions in return, and he didn't like that. He hated lying to people, especially people that didn't deserve to be lied to. But it was necessary for him and Emilia, they had to stay safe. The question in his mind burned though. There were so many worse things that could have happened to her tonight, and if she said she'd had worst, then he didn't want to picture how bad she'd had it. Saying sorry was something he already said, he didn't want to say the same thing again. He felt sympathetic towards her, but he didn't want her to think he was pitying her. People tended to not like being pitied. "That must be rough, what about your dad? He's not around?" he asked before he could stop himself. Questions. He should stop asking questions. He took a left when she told him to. His feet were walking rather aimlessly, trusting that he was going in the right direction, trusting that she'd tell him when he needed to turn a certain way. No one had ever asked him the question she had asked. They never needed to ask him that. But he'd always made it seem as if he lived in a bachelor pad. She had to stay safe, hidden, unknown. "No," he said. "I live with other tiny creatures. A hamster named Hamlet for example." It was an incomplete truth and at the moment, it was the best he could do. She was another danger. Lia, now Aria. He was usually so good at keeping his life straight. WC: 306 TAG: Aria Mercent |
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District 1
Heterosexual
23 Years Old
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Occupation:
Mayor's assitant
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Over Reaping Age
Loner
Last Online:
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Post by Aria Mercent on Oct 22, 2017 9:19:16 GMT -7
Aria didn't like to think on those worse nights, so when he returned with "I'm sorry", she simply gave half a smile and a shrug. "It's life, isn't it?" she said. "Sometimes you get rescued from the bad nights, and sometimes you don't. But then sometimes you have the best nights, and the rest don't seem to matter." She was an optimist at heart - she always had been. She had her moments just like everyone else, those moments where nothing good seemed possible again, but she could still find her way back to this hope for good. Elias could have just brushed off what she said about her mother or apologized again, but instead he asked about her father. For some reason, she hadn't been expecting it. Maybe that was because he didn't usually ask so many questions, and it was because of that that she wanted to give him whatever answers she could. This one was just a bit harder than others. "No," she said, swallowing, "he never came home from the war. I don't know where he is, or... if he is." That was what she always said when people asked about her father, because it was all she knew. Was he dead? Probably, although she still sometimes dreamed that he wasn't. After her father had been commissioned by the Capitol to fight though, there was simply nothing else. No letters, no updates, no reemergence of her father. That was just it. Tiny creatures. It was an odd sort of response. Of course it meant no wife or live-in girlfriend, no parents, but it also wasn't like he'd said "I have pets" or anything so direct. Of course Aria wanted to ask what that meant, who these other creatures were, but Elias wasn't like she was. He wasn't an open book, and if that was the kind of answer he chose to give, he didn't want to tell her any more than that. She didn't want him to close down on her by pressing the matter, when they were finally now having conversations about real things. It wasn't flirting or bar talk, it was just two people - and she didn't want to ruin that. So, instead, she just smiled and wrinkled her nose a little at how adorable that was, pretending it was a perfectly normal kind of answer. "Hamlet the hamster," she repeated. "I'd love to meet that little guy. I hope his life isn't nearly as dramatic as his namesake." Aria realized only after she'd said it that she was practically asking to come to his home. The last thing she wanted was for that to become another rejection, not when she was being carried by him like this and she didn't have to think about those worse things. So, she kept talking, hopefully before he had a chance to say something. "It would be nice to have a pet. I had a cat once, kind of. This family brought her in with them, and she was the sweetest little thing. She'd sit in your lap all day if you let her, and I loved the sound of her purring." The cat had died too while the family stayed at the Mercent house. She'd been old, but used to roaming outside - and outside was no longer a safe place for anyone. But that part of the story was one Aria didn't like to think on. "Right past that streetlight," she said, remembering to direct him. "Tell me something else good about your life, Elias. What makes you happy?"
WC: 592 Tag: Elias R. Jagger |
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District 1
Heterosexual
24 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Bartender/Bouncer/Entertainer/Mercenary
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Over Reaping Age
Last Online:
Aug 31, 2020 7:13:06 GMT -7
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Post by Elias R. Jagger on Oct 22, 2017 19:28:51 GMT -7
Their conversation matched the night. Some parts of it was dark, but even with the darkness, there was a sense of peace with it. Life perhaps was like the end of the night when people walked home, it was their journey home. Although Eli's life hadn't been like his walks home, they had gotten better. He was older now, wiser. He could make better decisions, he had to make better decisions. He wasn't sure if the part about her father was the answer he wanted to hear. The war. Somehow, it caught him by surprise. He didn't know what it was about her, but he imagine her as being pure and untouched by war. But he also knew from what he'd observed at the bar, and just a few minutes ago, that her life wasn't like that at all. No one was safe from the consequences of war. "Your mother is lucky to have someone like you," he said. He wasn't sure if she'd given up hope, if she thought he was dead. But he was afraid to ask. If it were him, he would have given up hope. But it was a more selfish reason of why he didn't ask. He didn't want to know her answer because he was afraid it would make her cry, and if he cried, he wouldn't be able to handle it. "Well... I will make sure that her daughter gets home safe. She needs you." His brows arched, "You know the play?" He asked. He'd never really had a conversation about it with anyone except Emilia. The past 10 years had devastated the country, there was no time for reading. Reading was a luxury. But he'd bought Emilia every book, every story she wanted. And through her, he learned. "I want to ask what happened to her because I'm truly curious, but I don't think I actually want to know," he said. "I've never owned a cat, but Em-- umm... I had a dog when I was younger." Elias had almost slipped. He'd almost said her name. Hopefully the slip hadn't been too obvious. He turned right when they passed the streetlight. The buildings had started to change a few paces back. The roads and sidewalk were cleaner, and there was less people walking around. Those that did pass them still gave them looks, but no one said anything. Aria wasn't screaming, so it was safe to assume he wasn't kidnapping her or holding her against her will. "Happy?" he repeated the word as if it were foreign to him. He'd never been asked that. He'd never even considered the question. Emilia was good. Emilia made him happy. But he couldn't say that. "Walking a lady home at night to make sure she's safe makes me happy," he gave her such a fleeting wink that if she wasn't looking, she would have missed entirely. His smile faded slowly as they walked, the gears in his mind turning from her question. Happiness had never seemed like a true state to him. Happiness was like water that he tried to hold in the palms of his hands, but no matter how hard he tried, it always found a way to drip out right between his fingers. "Can I ask you something that might be a little personal, and might make you upset? But I really don't mean anything by it, I swear," he said. He was going to ask her what made her happy, but happiness was so complex, so abstruse. It was better to see than to hear the answer. WC: 597 TAG: Aria Mercent |
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District 1
Heterosexual
23 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Mayor's assitant
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Loner
Last Online:
Sept 26, 2019 21:06:53 GMT -7
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Post by Aria Mercent on Oct 22, 2017 21:02:15 GMT -7
Aria hadn't expected Elias' words after she answered the question about her father. It was so incredibly sweet, even if he'd never met her mother and didn't know her all that well. On a basic level, she knew that her mother needed her; some things were much more difficult in her mother's weakened state. But she had, in fact, moved back in with her mother before the illness really hit. She'd moved back in when she needed her mother, needed that stability in her life. It was nice to think she could now be giving something back, that someone else could think that she was too. "Thank you," she said softly. "I need her too."It was a relief that Elias hadn't taken her words as a forced invitation, and she smiled when he asked if she knew the play. "Yes. I used to love to read." "Used to", because there was no time now. "Used to", because somewhere along the line, life had changed, and books weren't as important as they once were. "I spent hours in our library, reading and re-reading the books. I always thought Hamlet was so dark, but I kept going back to it. Everyone feels everything so deeply." She'd always felt for Hamlet especially, a man so torn by grief and love. Aria would have told him about the cat if he had really wanted to know, but the way he said he didn't was yet another sweet thing about him. He was a bit of a softie when it came to animals it seemed, not wanting to know if the cat dies at the end of the story. "I've never had a dog," she replied, "but I think that's what I'd get if I ever got a pet." She probably could get one if she wanted to, but it honestly hadn't occurred to her in a while. Antony had never really liked pets, and during the war, there were enough other things filling the Mercent house. She had barely realized before now that she really could get something if she wanted to. Aria honestly was curious about what made Elias happy, and so she watched him for his answer. It seemed like that kind of answer could be the key to something in him, even if he said something ridiculous like "strawberry ice cream makes me happy." It would at least be something, since she hadn't been able to really grasp at what made him happy yet. He seemed happy enough at work, but it was his job to be friendly. She'd always wanted to know the him outside of the bar. His answer was disappointing though, reverting for an instant to the kind of flirtatious banter they might exchange at the bar. "That's not really what I meant," she replied softly, but let the matter drop for a moment, letting her attention turn back to their surroundings. The scenery had changed, as had the people. They were few and far between, and though she didn't like the odd gazes the pair of them occasionally got, she didn't blush. She even recognized a face, though nothing passed between them that would give it away. They were starting to get into her part of town, and perhaps her mother would hear about Aria being carried through the streets by some man tomorrow, but she wasn't going to care about that now. It had been a bad night, yes, but being carried by Elias was one of the good things she could hold on to about it. She'd gotten used to it - or at least, was no longer afraid or feeling trapped. Those they passed could think what they wanted about it, and it didn't matter. Aria let the silence settle, an odd thing for her who so often filled it with talk. Elias finally broke the silence, asking to ask her something. It seemed almost ridiculous. He could ask her anything and she would answer him, especially after tonight. "I trust you," she said, looking at him and this time, really letting herself do it. "Ask away."
WC: 683 Tag: Elias R. Jagger |
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District 1
Heterosexual
24 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Bartender/Bouncer/Entertainer/Mercenary
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Over Reaping Age
Last Online:
Aug 31, 2020 7:13:06 GMT -7
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Post by Elias R. Jagger on Oct 25, 2017 13:35:58 GMT -7
The words Aria chose weren't lost on Eli. She talked about reading like it were something she once did and loved to do, but not anymore. Perhaps it had something to do with her father? Or perhaps just the fact that she had no time anymore, but she did have time. She spent that time at the bar flirting with him. "Why don't you read anymore?" Eli asked. This had become a game now. A game of should I ask and if I do, how should I word them? He felt guilty for picking and choosing which part of things she said he'd respond to. But he'd learned his lesson with Lia. He couldn't take anymore chances and he definitely couldn't let his guard down. Somehow, this felt even more challenging. Aria, from what he could tell, was open to him. She answered his questions without avoiding or trying to hide her past or parts of her life. A part of him tried to convince himself that he was in complete control of this, but a part of him also knew she was trouble and he would soon lose control. He smirked when she wasn't satisfied with his answer. Even if she thought the question was an easy one to answer, it was difficult for him. There were too many commonplace things for people that he was much more grateful for than others because of the meanings they held. Warm meals in a nice apartment, a warm comfortable bed, Emilia safe. Those were things he couldn't tell her. The fact that he liked midnight strolls had meaning, that he couldn't tell her. Going to the market and cooking, those made him happy, but he felt he couldn't tell her. Because all these little things, and all these big things, all lead to the same thing. His past. Lying to her was the last thing he wanted to do. So the next best thing was just to avoid it all together. The question he wanted to ask could get twisted and it took a few moments for him to form the words properly. Even then he wasn't thoroughly satisfied with it, so when he spoke again, his words tumbled together ungracefully. "Why do you flirt with me at the bar? You already said why you go to The Burrow, but why me?" he cringed at his words, he didn't mean to make it all about him. There were so many questions that related to her about her, what happened to her that she felt she had to spend her nights at a bar flirting with the bartender? Eli was by no means eloquent. Even when he tried to sew the right words together, they always ended up sounding clumsy and not in the way he wanted them to sound. He shook his head and took a breath, "That's not how I wanted to ask it. I just... I just think there are better ways you could be spending your time and better people to spend your time with." Eli closed his eyes for a moment, mentally kicking himself. Those weren't the right words either. Now it seemed like he was lecturing her. He sighed, "I'm not great with words as you can tell. I'm sorry, you can just ignore me now and I won't take offense to it." WC: 558 TAG: Aria Mercent |
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District 1
Heterosexual
23 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Mayor's assitant
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Loner
Last Online:
Sept 26, 2019 21:06:53 GMT -7
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Post by Aria Mercent on Oct 26, 2017 21:54:12 GMT -7
Elias had caught her use of the past tense when it came to reading, and it was nice that he seemed genuinely interested in knowing more about her. Perhaps it was only a way to pass the time - he was used to small talk in bars. Talking was a good way to pass the time while he made the long journey home with her, but she liked the think that wasn't all of it. She liked to think that if nothing else, he liked her enough to care a little about what she cared about. "I grew up, I guess," she replied after a momen'ts thought. "After a while, it seemed like the things going on in my life were far more important than books. People needed things, needed me, and I couldn't just disappear into a story like I used to." She wasn't even sure the last time she'd picked up a book. Had she read since leaving Antony? Since the war ended? Since it began? She must have, and yet she couldn't remember it for certain. It seemed like there was a long time in between when Elias asked to ask her a question, and when he finally asked it, but Aria was patient. She watched him try to formulate the words, tried not to let herself get too anxious about whatever it was he might ask. The question, when it finally came, did catch her off guard. It was a hard thing to totally narrow down, her interest in him. Well, perhaps not hard, but complicated. There were dozens of other bartenders at other bars, many of whom were probably good people to know, but it was only Elias who had really drawn her. She'd come to realize some of the reasons over time. Because he reminds me, a little, of Antony. Because I can see something inside Elias that I could see in him, or in some of the other families who came to our house. Because he's a mystery I want to solve, a soul that needs something but is afraid to ask for it. Open book that Aria was, she knew these weren't the kind of reasons she could give him though. These reasons would take too long to explain, or alienate him from her. Of course, Aria didn't get the chance to answer right away anyway. He kept talking, apologizing and making amends. It made her smile, even if she didn't agree with some of what he said. He was clearly uncomfortable asking this kind of thing, but she was glad he had - even if it would be hard to answer. She shook her head and touched his cheek, a gentle request that he look at her. "I'm not offended, and it's okay," she said, before returning her hand to his neck. "I want to spend my time at the Burrow, with you. You know about the Burrow, but as to you, it's... a feeling. I'm attracted to you, and it's not just because I want to get in your pants, but it's something... more than that." She actually did turn a little bit red now, realizing when she'd said. She took a breath and tried again. "My life can be shit sometimes. It was especially bad before I started coming to your bar. From that first day I met you, something just clicked and I could forget about everything and everyone else for a while. You make me feel like I'm really here, and I feel like you're really there with me, even in a bar full of people. There's just so much in you that I want to know, and I want you to know me. I didn't think I'd want that for a while." She paused there for a moment, before lightening the whole thing by adding, "Plus, you're not so terrible to look at." She smiled, feeling she needed to add that list bit to make the rest of what she'd said less ridiculous. It felt a little ridiculous coming out of her mouth. She'd called him her oasis without using the words, and how could anyone be expected to react to something like that? Aria didn't know what he would think about that, but a part of her figured that if she'd already ruined it, she might as well keep going. Roll with the crash and see where it takes you. Besides, it was definitely her turn to ask a question. "Why do you always say no when I ask you out?"
WC: 754 Tag: Elias R. Jagger |
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District 1
Heterosexual
24 Years Old
Relationship:
Occupation:
Bartender/Bouncer/Entertainer/Mercenary
HG Status:
Over Reaping Age
Last Online:
Aug 31, 2020 7:13:06 GMT -7
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Post by Elias R. Jagger on Oct 27, 2017 20:12:15 GMT -7
Eli realized what she was saying. Life for her was more complicated than just having one person to take care of. Like him, she felt like the world was on her shoulders. Eli feared it, but Aria seemed to just take care of it. She took it all in a stride, like it was a job to be done. He wished he could do that, he wished that he could feel that way about some things in his life. She'd taken all the bad things that had happened to her and didn't allow any of it to truly get in the way of herself. Eli wasn't that brave. He feared the past and he feared the future, that meant that he couldn't truly live in the present. Blood rose to his cheeks and his entire face turned red. He was thankful that it was night time, else Aria would see exactly how red he was in the face. "You want to get in my pants?" he chuckled nervously, "Usually it's the other way around." All of the sudden he felt giddy and excited, as if that was the best compliment anyone had given him, though he didn't feel it in the sexual sense. But in the sense that this beautiful woman actually wanted to give him her time. There had been times when he had talked to Aria and he felt what she felt. That they had a connection beyond just the ordinary relationship you had with your bartender. He cared about her and had even gotten worried some nights when she didn't show up. When she finally did show back up at the bar, there was relief. Maybe he hadn't realized it before, but he'd grown accustomed to seeing her face and her smile, and maybe, just maybe, he did like her. Like, maybe, was an understatement. Though he had never allowed himself to before. And then she asked the question. It was habit for him to scratch the back of his neck when he felt embarrassed about something. But since he was carrying her, he could only look away and bite his lip. Aria had been so open with him. She was so real and tangible, he'd never talked to anyone the way he talked with Aria. "I think you deserve better than me," he said with a tight smile. He was right about her having a loneliness inside. She was broken, like all the girls he'd been attracted to. But her brokenness was so open, but held back at the same time. He couldn't put any of it into words, but he felt it. And he didn't want to be just another guy to use her, even if it meant she would use him to. She deserved better. WC: 462 TAG: Aria Mercent |
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