One of the Shaughnessy triplets, Ethan is the lead guitarist for Misanthropy. He is an intellectual that favors mental pursuits over physical. His favorite subject is philosophy and he is a Nihilist. His favorite philosopher is Nietzsche.
Placeholder.
Taryn sat at her desk, a ledger open in front of her. Her mind wasn't on the numbers on the page though, nor was it on the horses outside. It floated between Tristan and Saige. Her sister was engaged. Her sister the self-proclaimed sex beast had found someone to tame her. It didn't really surprise her that much that it was David. A whore himself with a revolving door on his dressing room. Taryn had no doubt that it would be spinning again or that Saige's would either. Unless what Tristan and Sangria were saying was true. That David and Saige had feelings for each other all along. She could see it. David was the one that told her no. He was also the one that came up with the idea to fix her and stood with her while she did.
Taryn didn't feel the need to share her body with every guy that crossed her path. Her attraction to Tris though was undeniable. She'd wanted him for a while. At least since she'd started training at the dojo. She smiled...that had been a big part of how she got interested in it to begin with. They'd offered a self defense class that all of the grils had taken. The others had dropped out after awhile leaving Taryn to fend for herself. Which she did by joining the second level class... and the third and continued to raise in the ranks of the Dojo.. until they'd presented her with a belt. She'd never even realized she was training for anything and she'd been given a blue belt. She'd just figured the white was the uniform. As of right now she held a Purple belt and was very near to earning her brown belt. Taryn laid down the pencil she held and watched as the horses ran playing with each other.
She smiled thinking about the other night. Tristan had tied her up and then blindfolded her. She knew it was an exercise in trust and was showing him that she truly did. She was willing to go where he led her. She was willing to show him how much she was willing to give. She'd actually liked the things he'd done. Only once catching a twinge of fear when he'd gotten somewhat aggressive, it wasn't so much fear as uncertainty, due to the fact she'd never seen him do that. They'd experimented and played and she'd tried new things, a *lot* of new things. Most of which she'd only read about in books. She still didn't get Akhiro's need for toys that required instruction manuals to use but that was okay. She didn't see herself getting *that* into it, and any questions she had she'd ask.
Taryn closed the book and left the office. She went out to the barn and started her daily chores. Her routine. She was actually looking forward to having someone around to help and talk to. David was perfect she remembered how good he'd been with the horses when they met. It had been one of the things that attracted her to him.. the other was that body. He'd been working without a shirt and oh my god, how she'd wanted to touch that six pack. She'd never had that reaction to a guy before. She remembered the tingling she felt in her stomach as he'd checked her out and then walked over to her. They'd talked for a few mintues...that evening they'd run into each other again while she was looking at the horses again in their stalls. She'd thought she was alone in the barn, and was talking to the horses when she'd heard a voice answer her and then burst out laughing at her response. He'd stepped out of an empty stall and she'd stood rooted to the spot she stood in. The next thing she knew he was kissing her and they were in the empty stall he'd so recently left. When they were finished they'd talked somemore and she'd gone home. They'd bought two of those horses for the farm and still had one of them. Her's. The horse she was saddling now. He'd been a pain to train and was still somewhat unruly. But Taryn didn't mind.
She rode fast and hard through the fields behind the ranch up into the woods only turning around because she had to get back to meet everyone at the bar.
The Boys: <Ethan walks up to the shop with Van, opens the door for Siobhan, Van and Ethan follow her in>
Girls: <Sangria hears the bells, looks up from where she's working at the counter and grins, seeing them> Oh my God! Renee! Get out here!
Girls: <Renee pushes through the doors leading to her office> What.. we being..<blinks> Siobhan? I can't believe it.
The Boys: <Ethan smiles at Renee> We found her on our doorstep last night.
Girls: <Sangria smiles at Ethan and Van, bounds over and hugs them each in turn> I'm really glad you all are back.
The Boys: <Ethan hugs Sang back when she hugs him, smiles at Van over her head, to Sang> I still can't believe you didn't wait for me.
Girls: <Renee smiles to Siobhan> What are you doing back? Don't you have a movie and a show you're doing.
The Boys: <Van smiles, rolls his eyes, hugs Sang when she grabs him> Hey, you. Watch out for that one. The *only* reason he's not grabbing your ass is because he knows Loch'll break his knee caps.
Girls: <Sangria smiles at Van> Oh.. I know. <grins> So why aren't *you*?
Girls: <Siobhan nods to Renee> I do and yes.. but I quit. I'm back for good.
The Boys: <Van smiles at Sang> Because *you'll* break *mine*. I heard about your fight with Saige. I'm not stupid enough to mess with you.
Girls: <Renee blinks> Wow.
Girls: <Sangria laughs> Babe.. There's no way I'd hurt you. <smiles> I like you too much.
The Boys: <Van smiles teasingly> Oh, really? Maybe I *should* grab your ass then.
The Boys: <Ethan looks at Van> At least pick *her* clothes up off the floor before dragging her into the bedroom.
Girls: <Renee looks over at Van> No.. Loch'll break you, also.
Girls: <Sangria smiles> Van.. are you cross dressing again?
The Boys: <Van looks at Ethan, arches a brow, looks at Renee, sighs dramatically> I know but a guy can dream, right? <looks at Sang, smiles> Oh, of course. Every chance I get.
Girls: <Siobhan shakes her head>
Girls: <Sangria smiles> Come on I've got some stuff for both of you.. actually <looks over at Siobhan> All three of you.
Girls: <Siobhan smiles> Cool.
Girls: <Renee laughs> She's got stuff for every one.
The Boys: <Ethan looks at Sang's ass, smiles> You lead, I'll follow.
Girls: <Sangria puts a finger under Ethan's chin and pushes his head up> Eyes up here baby cakes. <heads for the back> Renee, I 'll do Siobhan next then Van.
The Boys: <Ethan laughs> Dammit, woman. I can't touch, I should at least be able to look.
The Boys: <Van looks at Sang's ass when she turns to Ethan, catches himself, shakes his head, looks at Siobhan> Fuck. Now he's got *me* doing it.
Girls: <Siobhan laughs> She didn't catch you. <grins>
The Boys: <Van smiles> She never does.
Girls: <Sangria smiles at Ethan> You can look when I'm not talking to you.
The Boys: <Ethan smiles> Then stop talking to me.
Girls: <Siobhan smiles> Sneaky bastard.
The Boys: <Van, still smiling> I like to think of myself as.. subtle.
Girls: <Sangria laughs and pulls him into the back room where she pulls over a rack with his name and a bunch of clothes on it>
The Boys: <Ethan goes with her>
Girls: <Renee watches Siobhan and Van> You guys want something Coffee, beer, wine.
The Boys: <Van walks over to Renee, opens his arms> As a matter of fact, I do want something.
Girls: <Renee smiles and moves into Van's arms hugging him tightly>
The Boys: <Van hugs her tightly, grabs *her* ass and mauls her neck>
Girls: <Renee laughs and grabs his ass back firmly>
The Boys: <Van growls playfully> My kind of woman.
Girls: <Siobhan busies herself looking over some racks of clothes>
Girls: <Renee laughs> I've always been your kind of woman.
The Boys: <Van smiles, lets her go, nods> I can't argue with that.
Girls: <Renee smiles and steps back letting him go, smiles> It's really too bad we never did anything about it.
The Boys: <Van looks at her, smiles> Never say never.
Girls: <Renee smiles and shakes her head> We'll see.
The Boys: <Van nods, shoves his hands into his pockets> So, Brennan's staying in North Carolina. Nana left him the house.
Girls: <Renee smiles> That's wickedly cool. I'm going to miss him though. I guess you guys are too. <tilts her head> Is he coming to the show?
The Boys: <Van looks at her curiously> Brennan? No. He didn't come back with us.
Girls: <Renee shakes her head> That's too bad.. We could have done a farewell party for him.
The Boys: <Van nods> I know, but.. until the relatives have cleared out, he's not leaving them alone in that house.
Girls: <Renee nods> I can understand that. I mean they turn into vultures when someone dies.
The Boys: <Van nods again> Exactly. Siobhan's staying with us. She's taking his room.
Girls: <Renee smiles> That's cool. <looks over at Siobhan, softly, a note of concern in her voice> Is she okay?
The Boys: <Van glances over, looks back at Renee, nods, quietly> She's fine. She's just burned out and really needed to be home.
Girls: <Renee nods> Then it's good she's here.
The Boys: <Van nods> It's going to take her some time to get her bearings. <looks at her> Speaking of which.. you know Aubrey? The girl that took over Sang's job at the bar when she quit?
Girls: <Renee nods> I do.. what ever happened to her?
The Boys: <(add "Went out with Brennan for a while" to him)
The Boys: <Van looks at her> Apparently, she was headed to DC a month ago and got into a nasty accident. We ran into her in the diner last night. <smiles> And again in the kitchen this morning. Anyway, apparently she's been in the hospital for the past month. Has a nice scar on her face as a souvenir.
Girls: <Renee blinks> Wow.. That's awful. Is she okay other than the scar?
The Boys: <Van shakes his head> Seems to be, but you'd have to ask Ethan about it. I didn't stick around very long.
Girls: <Renee nods> I'm going to venture a guess that the clothes on the floor Ethan was talking about were her's.
The Boys: <Van smiles>Yes.
The Boys: <Van frowns> Wait.. you mean Aubrey's clothes?
Girls: <Renee nods> Yes.
The Boys: <Van smiles> All I know is I was already in bed last night when he got home and she was in the kitchen this morning when I got up.
Girls: <Renee smiles> Well that's awkward.
The Boys: <Van laughs> More than you know.
Girls: <Renee arches a brow> Oh.. do tell?
The Boys: <Van smiles> While we were at the diner, right before Siobhan and I left, we got into this conversation about Tyran's.. lack of experience with bondage.. and Aubrey asked me if I was going to tie her up.
The Boys: <Van, still smiling> Then asked Ethan if *he* was going to, too.
Girls: <Renee laughs> Oh.. so she was wanting to get tied up?
The Boys: <Van laughs when she does, shakes his head> Yanno, I can't even tell you. That whole conversation's kind of a blur right now.
Girls: <Renee smiles> Why is that? Something keep you up last night?
The Boys: <Van smiles again> Something like that.
Girls: <Renee laughs> I see.. <shakes her head> I can't believe Taryn didn't realize that bondage was *real*. She's seen the things Akhiro sends me.
The Boys: <Van laughs> So, that shit was really true?
Girls: <Renee nods> Yeah.. She's read the Claiming of Sleeping Beauty.. but didn't know.
The Boys: <Van shakes his head> How does that happen?
Girls: <Renee shakes her head> I have no clue. I mean I'm not.. hard core or anything.. but I know <smiles> When I find a harness in a man's closet.. that putting it on is probably gonna turn *him* on.
The Boys: <Van arches a brow> That happen to you often?
Girls: <Renee smiles> Once.
The Boys: <Van smiles> And I missed it. Damn. I heard Taryn's going out with Tristan now. How have they been?
Girls: <Renee smiles> They're good. He was gonna enlighten her some.. I haven't seen her since.
The Boys: <Van nods> I heard something about that, yeah. And obviously Sang's happy.
Girls: <Renee nods> Thank *god*. Yes. She's very happy. Saige is in...Leesburg with David. They got engaged.
The Boys: <Van nods again> Yeah. I heard about that, too.
Girls: <Siobhan keeps an ear on the conversation as she moves around the shop looking at things>
Girls: <Renee nods> I'm not going to believe it til I see it though.
The Boys: <Van looks at her> Why not?
Girls: <Renee shrugs> Because they weren't even a couple the other day.. I mean she took him home and he turned her down several times.
The Boys: <Van nods> Heard that, too. But I also heard Loch and Sang went up there to talk some sense into them. What happened with that?
Girls: <Renee smiles> Loch and Sang came back almost engaged.
The Boys: <Van arches a brow, smiles> Damn. It's contagious.
Girls: <Renee nods> Totally.
The Boys: <Van shakes his head> Poor Ethan. <smiles broadly> Now he'll *never* get to hit that.
Girls: <Renee nods> Seriously.. Unless something *else* happens.
Girls: <Renee smiles> What was it you said.. never say never?
The Boys: <Van nods> True. I mean, I also thought Saige and David would never get married. Especially to each other. But apparently, they're planning on it.
The Boys: <Van shakes his head> How the hell does that even happen, Ren? One day they're not together and the next they're engaged?
Girls: <Renee nods> Seriously. <shakes her head> I do not even know. I know she divulged all her secrets to him and then he helped her with Justin's send off and now he's helping her pick a new bike.
The Boys: <Van looks at her> What do you think about it? *Really*?
Girls: <Renee shakes her head> I think she's latched on to him because he was taking charge. <looks at him> I think she needs that a guy to take charge. Van.. the night before she was confessing her love for Akhiro.
The Boys: <Van nods> I heard that, too. And I think you're right about needing a guy to take charge. <shakes his head> But it can't just be *any* take charge kind of guy, Ren. It's got to be someone she trusts. Someone she *knows*, yanno? That's the only way she responds. If she doesn't trust him or know him very well, she goes with the balls out independence and rebellion.
Girls: <Renee nods> I don't know.. <drops her voice> Some of them think that she's had a thing for him for a long time. And *that's* why she went after Loch.. because he's so much like David. And she expected him to tell her to fuck off.
The Boys: <Van looks at her> That's.. one theory, I guess. But theories aren't shit on their own.
Girls: <Renee nods> What do you think?
The Boys: <Van shakes his head> I don't have enough information to think anything right now.
Girls: <Renee looks at him> I don't know what else I can tell you.. other then she rabidly defended their decision when Sang and Loch were up there.
The Boys: <Van nods> Of course, she did. She's rabid about everything she does that people question.
Girls: <Renee shakes her head> I just don't get it..
The Boys: <Van looks at her, thinking>
Girls: <Renee watches him letting him think>
The Boys: <Van shakes his head after a minute> Do you think she's in love with him? Honestly?
Girls: <Renee shakes her head> I don't. But I haven't seen them. Sangria is the one to talk to. She and Loch were there.
The Boys: <Van nods>
Girls: <Renee looks at him> You okay?
The Boys: <Van looks at her> I'm just thinking ultimately, none of it probably matters anyway. She's going to do what she's going to do and the harder everyone pushes her not to do it, the more determined she's going to become.
Girls: <Renee nods> True. I do know one thing though.. I've seen how she responds to you.
The Boys: <Van nods> Used to, you mean. Apparently, a *lot* has changed since I've been gone.
Girls: <Renee shakes her head> You don't know if you don't try.
The Boys: <Van smiles> Yeah. <pulls out his cell phone> I was just thinking that,too. <pulls up Saige's number, looks at it for a second, considering the options>
Girls: <Renee smiles>
The Boys: <Van looks at her> I could call her.. or I could wait and see her at the show tonight.
Girls: <Renee nods> If you call her now.. David might either be there or show up with her.. if you catch her at the show...<Smiles wickedly> He's going to be otherwise occupied.
The Boys: <Van nods> And if I wait until the show, we can see the look on her fact.. the naked reaction before she has a chance to mask it... when she sees I'm back.
The Boys: fact=face
Girls: <Renee smiles> We can. <quietly> Can I ask you something... uh.. personal?
The Boys: <Van looks at her, nods as he puts his phone away> Sure.
Girls: <Renee softly> Do you have a personal stake in what happens?
The Boys: <Van smiles, shakes his head> You almost sound like Ethan and Siobhan, now. Only for them, the hot subject was Taryn.
The Boys: <Van looks at her> Look.. Saige is.. more than just my friend or an ex girlfriend.
Girls: <Renee nods> All right.. I wasn't pressing for.. gossip. I was wondering because if there's a reason to fight her you'll fight harder. Does that make sense?
The Boys: <Van gives her a confused look> Not really. Clarify?
Girls: <Renee smiles> When she throws up walls and gets rabid.. rather than give up you'll stand your ground.
The Boys: <Van smiles> Don't worry. I can take whatever she can throw at me.
Girls: <Renee nods> Good. Because I expect she'll throw everything she can.
The Boys: <Van nods> She's going to have to.
The Boys: <Van looks at her> And don't think I'm without ammo of my own.
Girls: <Renee nods> I don't think that. <smiles> I know if anyone does it's you.
The Boys: <Van smiles, nods> I'm not making any promises though. Especially because I haven't seen her in almost a month. But I don't believe for a second she gave up *all* her secrets.
Girls: <Renee looks at him> I'll tell you what she told us if it'll help.
The Boys: <Van looks at her> I already heard about the cabin, the writing, Justin, the miscarriage, Akhiro.
Girls: <Renee nods> Yeah.. that's pretty much all she told us.
The Boys: <Van nods> It's a lot.
Girls: <Renee nods> It was.. and considering we didn't know any of it.. it took us by surprise.
The Boys: <Van smiles> Well, let's see if I can't take *her* by surprise.
Girls: <Renee nods and smiles> All right.
The Boys: <Van checks his watch> Christ, he's such a woman when he comes in here.
Girls: <Renee laughs> So go get him. I'm betting they're done and just talking.
The Boys: <Van nods> Probably. <shakes his head> He talks like a woman when he comes in here, too. <heads for the back>
Girls: <Renee walks over to Siobhan and helps her pick out a few outfits>
Girls: <Sangria looks over when Van comes back, smiles and points to his rack of clothes> Yours.
The Boys: <Van walks into the back> Can we get moving, please? There is an entire world outside passing us by right now. <looks over at the rack, sighs> Yes.
The Boys: <Ethan looks over at Van, smiles> What? It's not like you actually have to try anything on.
Girls: <Sangria looks at Van and almost pouts> Please just *look* at it.
The Boys: <Van shakes his head> It's not that. <looks at Sang> It's.. <shakes his head, smiles> Fuck. I hate that look.
The Boys: <Ethan looks at Sang> You know.. he almost sounds like he's got something to do.
Girls: <Sangria tilts her head> It's what?
The Boys: <Van goes over the rack and flips through the clothes> Just something I've gotta deal with later.
Girls: <Sangria looks at Van, walks over to him and lays a hand on his arm> What is it, babe?
The Boys: <Van looks at Sang, smiles> Nothing you have to worry about. <looks at her for a second> But.. there *is* something you could do to help me out with it.
Girls: <Sangria nods> Name it.
The Boys: <Van smiles> Make sure word that I'm home, too, leaves this building.
The Boys: (scratch)
The Boys: <Van smiles> Make sure word that I'm home, too, never leaves this building.
Girls: <Sangria nods> All right. I can do that. <smiles> In other words keep Ren quiet?
The Boys: <Van smiles again> I don't think *Ren* is going to be a problem with this one.
The Boys: <Ethan listens>
Girls: <Sangria arches her brow> *Me*?
The Boys: <Van shakes his head> *Anyone*, Sang. <looks at her> And yeah.. you. Don't even tell *Loch*. Okay?
Girls: <Sangria nods> All right. <looks at Ethan>
The Boys: <Ethan looks at Sang> Loch does have a bit of a problem with the brain to mouth filter.
The Boys: <Van nods> And speaking of Loch.. <smiles> What's this I hear about you coming back from Leesburg almost engaged?
The Boys: <Ethan looks at Van, arches a brow> *I* didn't even hear that one.
Girls: <Sangria nods> All right. <Sangria smiles> David gave Loch the rings he and Saige were wearing.. I sorta got <shrugs> weird about them being engaged...he gave me this one <holds out her hand> as a promise that I'll get a real one, and he's wearing his as a symbol that he's off the market.
The Boys: <Ethan looks at Sang, smiles> Nice.
The Boys: <Van smiles> Congratulations.
Girls: <Sangria nods and smiles> Yeah.. he also told me if I'd asked for the ring as the commitment.. I'd've gotten one. <shakes her head>
The Boys: <Ethan furrows his brow> Wait.. what? You're the woman, you're not *supposed* to ask him to give you a ring.
The Boys: <Van nods> No shit.
Girls: <Sangria nods> I know.. I told him I needed a commitment... so We're moving in together. <smiles> I'm good with that.. He's moving into my place and we're going to find a place that's neutral..you know?
The Boys: <Van nods> It's something, anyway. And from Loch, it's a lot.
The Boys: <Ethan nods> Yeah it is.
Girls: <Sangria smiles> It's Loch. <as if that explains everything>
The Boys: <the boys smile, Van nods> So.. bag everything. We've still got a grocery run. And get Siobhan something to wear tonight. <looks at Ethan> We should drop her off at the spa while we take care of the bills and pick up some food.
The Boys: <Ethan smiles> Oh, yeah. That might do her some good. Especially with that view from the front room.
The Boys: <Van looks at Sang> She's.. kind of starting over back where she came from. If that makes any sense.
Girls: <Sangria smiles> I'll get her something. <nods> It totally does.
The Boys: <Ethan nods> And it's her first night out. Of course, she only got back last night.
The Boys: <Van smiles> And put it on our cards. This one's on us.
Girls: <Sangria nods> I've got something perfect... I'll messenger it to the spa for her with the works. <smiles> And the works are my treat.
The Boys: <Van nods> That works. I'm telling you, babe, she looked like hell when she came over last night.
The Boys: <Ethan looks at Sang> Yeah. She didn't say much, but you could tell by looking at her, she's had a rough way to go. Her best friend overdosed recently.
Girls: <Sangria smiles> Well whatever you guys did to her she looks pretty good today.. a little tired and too thin. <blinks> That's awful. <smiles> I'll send Ren with her to the spa. <shrugs> They were close in school until she let.
Girls: left.
The Boys: <Van nods>
The Boys: <Ethan smiles> *We* took her to the diner and fed her. She said three months ago, she was ten pounds lighter. *Van*, however... got her thought the night.
The Boys: <Van looks at Ethan> Yeah, well.. <shakes his head, looks at Sang> Anyway, she's staying with us in Brennan's room. We'll make sure she gets straight again.
Girls: <Sangria looks at Van and smiles> Oh reeeally? <grins playfully>
The Boys: (move Van down)
The Boys: <Ethan smiles>
Girls: <Sangria nods> I know you will. <Sangria frowns> 10 pounds on her she must have been a walking skeleton.
The Boys: <Van nods> And when Ren asked if she was okay, I forgot to tell her about the overdose.
The Boys: <Ethan nods> She said she got caught by a tabloid "at her worst". And that's all we're saying about that.
Girls: <Sangria nods> I'll let her know. <nods again> I *saw* that picture...not pretty.
The Boys: <Van arches a brow> You did? <shakes his head> Shit. Okay.. do we need to run damage control?
The Boys: <Ethan looks at Van> While we're out, we'll buy every copy of every rag in town that has those pictures and toss them.
Girls: <Sangria looks at Van> I only saw it because I read them in line at the grocery. <shakes her head> The picture was on the front page and I didn't even realize it was her until I read the blurb under it.
The Boys: <Van looks at Ethan> We don't even know how long ago that was. <looks at Sang> How long ago?
Girls: <Sangria thinks> About a month. I know it's off the racks now.
The Boys: <Van nods> All right. That's good, then.
Girls: <Sangria nods> It is. I don't think she's got anything to worry about here. I mean most people read the headlines and let it go.
The Boys: <Van nods> All right. <looks at Ethan> Let's let Sang get her hands on Siobhan. While she's back here, we'll set things up with the spa.
The Boys: <Ethan nods> Sounds like a plan.
Girls: <Sangria smiles> All right..
The Boys: <Ethan heads out of the back room> Hey, Siobhan. Sang's ready for you, now.
The Boys: <Van smiles at Sang> Thanks. <follows Ethan out>
Girls: <Siobhan looks at Ethan> She is.. wow.. <smiles> Okay. <Heads through the doors the boys came out of.
Girls: <Renee carries some of the things Siobhan picked out to the counter>
The Boys: <Van and Ethan watch her go back, Van immediately gets on his phone and goes outside>
Girls: <Renee watches Van, to Ethan> What's he doing?
Girls: (Scratch)
Girls: <Renee watches Van, to Ethan> Everything okay?
The Boys: <Ethan looks at Ren> So, here's the run down. Siobhan's getting a surprise spa day today because she can seriously use one and you're going with her. Van forgot to tell you that her friend overdosed. Oh.. and news that he's home isn't supposed to leave this building.
Girls: <Renee blinks> Um.. okay.. but he'll never get her in at the spa it's always booked on Friday.
The Boys: <Ethan smiles> Ye of little faith.
Girls: <Renee smiles> Why do you think I have a standing Saturday appointment?
The Boys: <Ethan, still smiling> Because the girl that makes the appointments hasn't wanted on *you* since high school and all but faints every time you look her way.
Girls: <Renee laughs> Babe.. if he can get my appointment moved to Fridays.. I'd pay *him*.
The Boys: <Ethan laughs> Babe.. she used to come over and cook us dinner and do our laundry. How do you think we even *know* we have a spa and what it's for?
Girls: <Renee laughs> Because I thought Brennan worked there in highschool so he could see all the naked women.
The Boys: <Ethan smiles> Like we pay attention to Brennan.
Girls: <Renee smiles> That's so wrong.
The Boys: <Ethan laughs>
Girls: (Scratch Brennan working at the spa)
The Boys: (scratch Ethan laughing)
Girls: <Renee smiles> Fuck if I know. I thought everyone knew we had one and what it was for.
The Boys: <Ethan smiles> And Sang's going to get her something nice to wear and have it sent over. This is our welcome home gift to her.
Girls: <Renee smiles> That's nice.
The Boys: <Ethan shrugs> She needs it, yanno? It was all over her face last night.
Girls: <Renee nods> I can understand it. <smiles> You guys are great... you know that right?
The Boys: <Ethan smiles> Of course, I do.
The Boys: <Van walks back in, shaking his head as he puts his phone away> That's done.
Girls: <Renee smiles> What'd you have to promise her?
The Boys: <Van looks at Ren, smiles> Dinner.
The Boys: <Ethan looks at Ren> Whoring himself out for the greater good.
The Boys: <Van laughs> I am *not* whoring myself out. Dinner isn't the weekend I'd have to spend with her for anything bigger.
Girls: <Renee smiles> What kind of dinner did you promise her?
The Boys: <Van looks at Renee> I promised I'd take her *out* to dinner.
Girls: <Renee smiles> Cool.. So make it a double date or a group thing.
The Boys: <Van smiles> *That* is a good idea.
Girls: <Renee shrugs> Every now and then I have a good one.
The Boys: <Van, still smiling> Oh, I'm sure it happens more than once in a while. That harness being a case in point.
The Boys: <Ethan arches a brow> Harness?
Girls: <Renee shrugs> Babe.. I found it in a guys closet, put it on ate dinner and then did the dishes in it. <grins>
The Boys: <Ethan looks at Ren> Oh, really? <looks at Van> Make me a shopping list. *I* need to leave shit like that laying around in *my* closet.
The Boys: <Van smiles> You and me both.
Girls: <Renee smiles and shrugs> I'd've worn it longer.. but things happened.
The Boys: <Ethan looks at her> Well, *obviously*. Christ. Do that shit in *my* kitchen and you won't make it through dinner.
The Boys: <Van shrugs> I don't know.
The Boys: <Ethan looks at Van> What do you mean "you don't know"? *Ren* in a harness in our kitchen and you don't know?
Girls: <Renee smiles and shakes her head> When I say things... I mean other... props.
The Boys: <Van looks at Renee, smiles> I've got a bit more self control than that.
Girls: <Renee smiles> I bet you do.
The Boys: <Van smiles again> What kind of props?
The Boys: <Ethan looks at Van> This coming from the guy who couldn't even get in the front door?
The Boys: <Van looks at Ethan> Shut up. I want to hear about these props.
Girls: <Renee smiles, thinking they won't know what she's talking about> Shibari props.
The Boys: <the boys look at each other, Van arches a brow> Well, then. <Ethan smiles> She just got exponentially hotter. <Van smiles> Hell, yes, she did.
Girls: <Renee arches a brow>
The Boys: <the boys look back at her, Van> What?
Girls: <Renee shakes her head> You know what that is?
The Boys: <Van smiles> We're not Tyran. Japanese rope bondage. Anyone with a decent... <stops, Ethan smiles> Anyone with decent research skills and a high enough interest in all things sexual knows what that is.
The Boys: <Van nods in agreement with Ethan>
Girls: <Renee nods> I'm impressed.. I had to have it explained to me..
The Boys: <Ethan smiles again> Babe.. we're friends with Akhiro, *too*.
The Boys: <Van nods> And he's Japanese, so *there's* our connection.
The Boys: <Ethan, still smiling> That's our story and we're sticking to it.
Girls: <Renee smiles and shakes her head> I'd never heard of it but.. it's very... interesting.
The Boys: <Ethan nods> The average person with a decent sexual education and open mind recognizes it when they see it and probably even know it's Japanese rope bondage but not that the appropriate term is "Shibari". Or the intricacies. *I* don't practice it, but I know enough about it to have a pretty basic understanding.
The Boys: <Van nods again> *Very* basic.
The Boys: <Van looks at Ethan> So.. *did* you end up tying her up?
The Boys: <Ethan looks at Van, smiles> Totally.
The Boys: <Van smiles, shakes his head>
Girls: <Renee smiles>
The Boys: <Van checks his watch> We've got to get moving.
Girls: <Renee nods> All right. I'll see you all tonight. What time is the appointment.
The Boys: <Van looks at Ren> In about 15 minutes. We were going to drop her off, but do you want to just take her?
Girls: <Renee shakes her head> No.. You guys drop her. I'll head over in a few. I've got somethings to wrap up here.
The Boys: <Van nods> And we've still got to pay for everything.
Girls: <Sangria and Siobhan come out of the back room>
The Boys: <The boys look over, Ethan smiles at Siobhan> Hustle your ass to the car, gorgeous. We've got a time sensitive surprise for you.
Girls: <Renee shakes her head> We can settle up later... I've got your information. <smiles> I'll have your stuff delivered to your place.
Girls: <Siobhan looks at Ethan> I've got to pay for my clothes.
Girls: <Sangria smiles> You can call me with your information later.
The Boys: <Van nods to Ren> Sang knows how we're handling that.
Girls: <Renee nods> All right. <Siobhan looks at Van questioningly>
The Boys: <Ethan looks at Siobhan> There's a reason we pay the high prices here. The employees do your shopping *for* you and are extremely pleasant to look at and... convenience.
The Boys: <Van looks at Siobhan, smiles> You heard him. Hustle your ass to the car.
Girls: <Siobhan nods> All right. <Smiles at the other girls> Thanks you all.. I'll see you tonight. <Renee and Sangria nods> We'll be there.
The Boys: <Ethan smiles> What she said. <heads to the door with Van who opens it for Siobhan>
Girls: <Siobhan heads out>What surprise do you have for me?
The Boys: <the boys head out with her, Van walks to the car, opens the door, looks at her> You'll see.
The Boys: <Ethan looks at her> It's not a surprise if we tell you.
Girls: <Siobhan nods, and smiles climbs into the car>
Girls: <Siobhan looks at Van>I'm not real good with surprises.
Girls: <Siobhan shrugs> Like the kind where people jump out at you.. and yell.
The Boys: <the boys get into the car, Van driving, Van smiles, pulls away from the curb> Fine. We're taking you to the spa and dropping you off while we go run some errands. Ren's got to finish up some things at the store and then she'll be joining you. <looks over at her> Welcome home.
The Boys: <Ethan looks at her, smiles>
Girls: <Siobhan looks at them for a moment, then bursts into tears>
The Boys: <Van smiles, reaches over and takes her hand, quietly> You're welcome.
The Boys: <Ethan places a hand on the back of her head, leans over and kisses her temple>
Girls: <Siobhan shakes her head and sniffs, smiles, squeezes Van's hand> Thank you...
The Boys: <Van shakes his head> You don't even have to say it. <looks at her> Just enjoy it.
The Boys: <Ethan nods> We've got you. But you know this.
Girls: <Siobhan nods> I do... and I didn't know I even wanted something like that or needed it until you said it.. I used to go a lot in New York.. and then stopped..
The Boys: <Ethan smiles> I thought *all* women needed it and that's why they have the things.
Girls: <Siobhan shakes her head> Some more than others.
The Boys: <Van nods> Well.. you're getting the full treatment so just sit back and relax. <pulls into a space in front of the spa> We'll pick you up in a few hours and go straight to the bar. <looks at her> And get lunch. We probably won't get dinner until late.
The Boys: <Ethan smiles> And Sang's got your outfit covered so don't worry about that.
Girls: <Siobhan looks at them> I don't know how to thank you guys... <drops her eyes> I never expected to come home to this.
The Boys: <Van smiles> You don't have thank us, Siobhan. That's kind of the point. <lets go of her hand, holds his hand out to her> Give me your room key. We're going to check you out of the hotel and bring your shit home while we're out.
The Boys: <Ethan smiles> By the time you get home tonight, it'll be like you never left.
Girls: <Siobhan reaches into her bag and pull out the key hands it to Van> Thanks... and I *do* have to.
The Boys: <Van pockets the key, shakes his head> No, you don't. But if it makes you feel better....
The Boys: <Ethan looks at Siobhan> And once the spa and Sang are done with you, the nervousness at seeing everyone shouldn't be an issue.
Girls: <Siobhan nods> Yes sir.
Girls: <Siobhan smiles>
The Boys: <Van smiles> Go on. We're on a schedule.
The Boys: <Ethan gets out of the car and waits for her>
Girls: <Siobhan climbs out of the car, smiles at Ethan>
The Boys: <Ethan smiles and takes her hand, heads to the doors with her> Now.. the only caveat is you probably shouldn't say too much about Van to the appointment girl.
Girls: <Siobhan nods and smiles> So noted. <shrugs> I wouldn't anyway.
The Boys: <Ethan smiles> All right. And don't seem surprised by anything she says. She's a bit.. chatty.
Girls: <Siobhan nods and smiles> I know how to deal with that. <squeezes his hand as she walks with him>
The Boys: <Ethan nods> Right. <stops at the doors and opens one for her>
Girls: <Siobhan walks into the spa>
The Boys: <Van watches from the car as Ethan takes Siobhan in and delivers her to her appointment, waits until he comes back out and gets in the car, then heads off to take care of their errands>
The Boys: -----End Log-------
Ethan left the Rock Bottom and headed back to the apartment he shared with his brother Evander to grab some dinner and get in bed with a good book, but his plans were thwarted when he walked in to find Evander sitting in the living chair waiting for him. Evander, who he'd left in North Carolina with the relatives. Evander didn't even bother saying hello or letting Ethan get the door closed before saying what was on his mind. "Thanks for leaving me behind," he said somewhat snarkily. Ethan shook his head smiling as he closed the door and headed into the kitchen. "I'm sorry. I figured you'd get a ride back with Brennan," he said contritely. Evander stood, walked over to the breakfast bar and leaned against it, watching Ethan dig a frozen TV dinner out of the freezer. "Don't worry about it," he replied, "thanks to your rather sudden and dramatic exit, you missed the *really* good shit," Van said, smiling. Ethan looked over at him as he put the dinner in the microwave. "Christ. What's the *really* good shit? Someone spontaneously combust?" Van shook his head. "No, but almost. We had the reading of the will this afternoon. Aunt Kay thought she was going to get everything, right?" Ethan nodded. "Yeah. She's always thought that. And grandkids can't inherit or something." Van nodded again and took a seat at the bar. "Yeah, well.. Nana completely fucked her. Apparently, a few months before she died, while she was still healthy enough that no one could contest anything, she signed the house over to Brennan. So, technically, the house wasn't even hers when she died. It's his."
Ethan nearly fell over at his brother's statement. "Are you kidding?" Van smiled. "Hell no, I'm not kidding. Basically, because she didn't trust banks and kept her money stuffed in her mattress, there was no proof she even had any. And as far as everyone knows, she didn't. Everyone thinks she was broke and living on Social Security or something. And the mortgage was paid by insurance when granddad died." Van smiled. "Oh, and she sold everything *in* the house to Brennan for a dollar when she signed the house over. So, technically, she didn't own a damn thing when she died. The car, too." Ethan arched a brow. "Is that even legal?" he asked skeptically. Van shrugged. "I don't see why not. She was of sound mind when she did it. So, according to Brennan, she wanted us to have the money and he gets the house and car. I think Kay got the life insurance and she had to pay for the funeral out of that." Ethan smiled. "So, he gets to stay there, start over, and in his own house that's paid for? Nice. For someone who didn't trust the system, the old biddy sure played the hell out of it." Van smiled and nodded. "She would've sold off the house, given everything to charity and lived in a shelter to keep Kay's hands off it. Her and that gold digging prick she married. Now let's just hope Brennan can manage to stay out of trouble." Ethan smiled and pulled his dinner out of the microwave. "I don't know. I think in the process of screwing Aunt Kay, she just may have managed to force Brennan to become responsible. I mean, he might not have a mortgage payment, but he's going to have property taxes, utilities, home and car insurance. There's no way he's going to fuck up and lose Nanas' house. She means too much to him for that." Van nodded. "True. Anyway, I came back in Brennan's car right after Aunt Kay stormed out of the house screaming about lawyers and shit. I've had about enough family time to keep me the rest of my life." Ethan nodded. "I hear ya. Now wait til I tell you what our friends have been up to while we were gone...."
Read more...
Siobhan left Solitude years before while they'd all still been in high school. She'd caught the acting bug early and at 8 had a situation comedy and several commercials under her belt. Her parents had dragged her home two years later saying that the stress was getting to her, but they had no problem spending the money she made. She thought it was getting to them. She knew her father was spending a lot of time on the set and with her "show" mother, and her real mom was jealous. She knew this *now*. At 10 she'd only seen and heard the epic fighting. They'd come back and settled in, she'd gone back to school and her friends like she'd never left. Sure, the girls were full of questions about the stars she'd gotten to act with wanting to know if she ever met this one or that one. Eventually, the questions stopped and she'd been just another kid that did the school plays and community theater.
At 17, she'd left again, going back to the bright lights of the Big City. She'd contacted her old agent who had managed to secure her several auditions for TV shows, commercials and print ads. She'd landed several of those auditions but not the shows. She was remembered as the child star and it would take time to break out of that mold. Siobhan worked long and hard, managing to break out of the child role she come into her own, and landed a prime role on a popular series. She crossed spokes modeling and acting and she did it well. Her agent kept her organized and her assistant and best friend kept her sane. She'd been linked to several actors her age and one much older, but never confirmed or denied in the press. When her best friend died of an overdose Siobhan took a step back and looked at where she was headed. She'd made it big, partied hard and lived fast, crashing at the ripe old age of 23. It seemed she'd gone from child star to spokes model to TV star to has been overnight.
She'd sent her things ahead of her, putting them in storage and returned home again. She'd been back before for parades or to watch her friends perform. She'd slip, unobtrusively into the Rock Bottom and slip out just as fast, returning to the city on a Red Eye flight. No one knew she was coming home again. She'd secured a place at the hotel until she found an apartment. One upside was that while she was living the life she hadn't blown through all her money. She had checks coming in from the syndicated show she'd done as a child. She had sometime before she had to make any definitive decisions about her life. Now she stood on Ethan's doorstep had poised to knock. She knew she was too thin, and that the dark circles and haggard appearance wouldn't go unnoticed or unspoken. He'd make her talk.. or Van would. She also knew if Brennan was there he'd take care of her. And if she were honest...she needed some care. She lowered her hand and knocked gently, it was late and hoped she didn't wake them.
She remembered the accident, the sound of steel scraping steal, the car folding in on itself around her seemingly as if in slow motion. She hadn't been drunk or high...this time. She lay in the hospital bed trying to remember for weeks and still had very little. She'd been airlifted to a DC hospital. Where she'd been put back together, except for a scar on her face that the plastic surgeon had said there was nothing he could do for it. He'd sewn up the jagged cut and she'd have to live with it. She supposed it was just something else she'd have to learn to live with. She knew her name was Aubrey and where she lived but only because her driver's license said so. Her doctors had sent her home saying that there was nothing more they could do for her.
The first thing she'd done was hit a bank. The bank card in her purse told her which one. She'd pulled enough money to take a bus from DC to Culpeper and then she'd walked from the station to her apartment. Her keys had been returned to her along with everything else she'd had in her car. It wasn't much but it was a place to start. She'd already discovered she hated Country music. The police had filled in the blanks for her as far as the accident went. She'd been traveling toward home from DC when the accident happened. A drunk driver had crossed the median traveling at an estimated 60 miles per hour. He hit her and she'd been sent rolling into the swale at the side of the road. The only reason they said she was still alive was because she'd had on her seat belt and the car she'd been driving was a 1970 Cadillac Coupe Deville, that had been virtually destroyed. On the up side she had no clue why she was driving *that* thing. The officer had used the terms "huge" and "land yacht". To describe it.
She'd stopped in the visitor's center and grabbed a map of the city and made her way to the address on her license. It was where she should start and she needed to drop of the duffel bag she carried, before making her way around the place. She took a deep breath as she fit the key into the lock, unsure of what she'd find. She was pretty sure she lived alone. If she didn't someone would have been looking for her. She entered the apartment and looked around at an eclectic mix of modern, antique, and somewhat shabby furniture. She spent the next hour familiarizing herself with the layout of the apartment and the kitchen. She must cook.. she wasn't sure but she didn't see herself going out to dinner every night either. She seemed to be healthy and physically fit. She found food in the kitchen, in the fridge she found spoiled food and vegetables that had gone bad. She found she had an urge to deal with that mess right away and spent the next hour or so doing that. When she took out the trash she saw one of her neighbors, he looked at her funny when she asked where the dumpster was, but told her. She also discovered the mailboxes and he told her that the super had her mail that had over flowed the box. Aubrey nodded and could tell the guy wanted to ask about her face but was too polite to do so. He did ask where she'd been for almost a month. She answered DC and left it at that. She'd collected her mail, sat down on the floor and written out bills, she figured the waitressing gig she had at the Rock Bottom was over. She shook her head, and looked through the rest of her stubs. She found one for another job at the community center counseling teens.
She shook her head. Apparently she was a work horse as well. She listened to the messages on her phone. Friends wondering where she was, she could hear them getting more concerned as time passed. There was a final call wanting to know if she was coming to the show Friday at Rock Bottom. Aubrey smiled and decided that she would go to the show. She stood and headed into the bedroom to plan her outfit for her debut.
