+Thanks+ -Eric-

[tig]

Had they not been on break, Darcy probably wouldn't have known it was Thanksgiving. Her parents were busy people, after all. Daddy was off in Vienna today, on a fashion shoot, and her Mother was spending the Holiday with her latest thing (though she would not have seen her Mother anyway, as she lived all the way in Hawaii), and so Darcy had her Father's cold, but chic, penthouse all to herself. She awoke in her bedroom, the sun peaking through the glazed windows, and Joe Friday's ((the Yorkie above)) wet nose touching her face. "Ohhh, no Joe, not yet." Still the pooch persisted, and she looked at him grumpily as he wagged his tail victoriously. Despite her agitation, Darcy loved Joe, and was quite pleased to at least have some company on this lonely Thanksgiving. He was, after all, a gift from Daddy. Rousing herself out of bed, she left it unmade and sauntered sleepily to the living room to let Joe Friday out on his designated spot on the balcony, before going and washing her face in the bathroom.

At first Darcy had loved the beautiful apartment. It was so chic and new! But soon the walls grew chilly, and the loneliness seemed to echo around her. Viewing her reflection, she was rarely seen in such a state. Like her friend Eric, Darcy was rarely seen with out her well orchestrated mask. Though he mind exaggerated a great deal, she did have slight shadowing under her eyes, and her honey brown hair was in a pair of sloppy pigtails. She wore one of her Father's button down work shirts, and a pair of pajama shorts, with long pink and green socks.

She went back to the living room and let Joe Friday back in, before going to scavenging in the kitchen. It was truly the last place she wanted to be today. While other families gathered, argued, laughed, all to the aroma of turkey and various pies; Darcy was alone, pouring Joe Friday a bowl of kibbles and fishing a Key Lime yogurt out of the fridge. She opted to eat in the Living room, wanting to distance herself from the kitchen as much as possible.

Darcy put on a tough face, it was true. Despite being a slightly shallow, kinda vain, spacey girl with a smile on her lips, she was very sad. And very lonely. Deep down. Locked in a trunk, buried in the ground, deep within her mind. She'd never admit she was unhappy, because she had so much. Parents who loved her (even if they were busy), nice things, food, money, friends....

Joe Friday interrupted her thoughts, yapping in the direction of the front door. It was a bit creepy, the foyer leading to the door, like something out of a new age Shining. Still, Joe Friday yipped with such urgency, the curiosity got the better of her. She braved the creepy foyer. As she got halfway down, knocking began, and Joe Friday began to bark with more urgency.

Was it the doorman? Did another package come for her Father? "Joe Friday, you shush!" She scolded, as she approached the door, reaching for the knob. "Who is it?" Contrary to safety protocol, or the norm, she opened as she asked who it was; and was a bit more shocked than she meant to be.

[/SIZE]
_____________________________________
notes: The highlighted stuff is the pictures of her apartment, and her outfit. xDDD Sorry for not asking, but you said you wanted Eric to awaken soon, so I figured I'd start this.
tags: Eric Lonesinner
listening to: Katy Perry
mood: Wired
picture lyrics: None
other lyrics: i'm not a thief, i'm a treasure hunter by a skylit drive
made by: callie! at RPGU and CAUTION
_____________________________________
[/center]

[hbghost]

IF WE RUN THIS LIGHT TAKE A LITTLE LIFE
no one will care at all

w e c a n b u r n i t a n d l e a v e
FOR WE ARE THE BEAUTIFUL THEIVES
a n d n o o n e s u s p e c t s a t a l l

He couldn't believe it had been over a year.

Over a year since he had first discovered his face for what it truly was. Over a year since he had first tried to hide it from everyone else. Over a year since his life had been ruined forever.

Because as Eric walked down the street leading into the various rows of apartments, he remembered shivering and retreating into the warmth of his coat while hiding his face from everyone he passed, just like he was doing at that moment, the previous year. Every day, when he would walk home from school. The only difference was the fact that where he thought his home was... wasn't really his home anymore. It had been his parents' old house, and since Constance had left, it had been sold. Thankfully, though, most of Eric's belongings were saved at Barrie, where he now went.

It was a curious thing because he had gotten a decent scholarship with his involvement in the arts, while quite a donation from his parents' will had paid for what the scholarship didn't cover. Eric never knew his parents had made this much, not by what they had told him. Perhaps it was a surprise, or they had an extra savings account. Perhaps Constance had pooled money with them for a surprise "Eric's College Money" fund. Whatever the source, Eric had a year at Barrie paid for, and hopefully the more involved he became, the more he could earn and possibly pay off debt that would arise.

You should pursue a career in the arts, a familiar voice hissed from inside a mailbox nearby. You're too stupid to be a doctor or lawyer anyway. At least try for what you do best.

"Shut up, Erik," Eric muttered to himself, kicking a stray can onto the street. Some snow flew up as well and landed a few feet away, but Eric barely took notice. "I can't have this kind of mood around Darcy. She hasn't seen me all year, and I want to show her how much I've changed." For emphasis, he pulled out the small bouquet he intended to give to Darcy. "I don't want her to be upset because I've lost my self-confidence again."

First of all, I don't know what change you're talking about, the voice from the mailbox the materialized next to Eric, a figure formed by the shadowy wind camouflaged by the late afternoon dusk. A phantom. The only change I've seen in you lately is that you've grown a few inches taller. Secondly, you've lost more than your self-confidence, my friend.

Eric rolled his eyes.

"Erik, you can do better than that. We both know that we've lost more than our self-confidences. Yes, that's right. We," Eric explained, taking a deep breath and letting the poetic part of his soul take over his mind. "We've both lost our natural beauty, and we've both lost our minds. We've both lost our moral compasses, and we've both found and lost love. Yet I am different because I did what you couldn't do. I moved on. So you can't tell me I didn't change. Change is the weakness on YOUR part." With a smirk and a nod, Eric walked on, now attempting to ignore Erik.

At that time, the phantom materialized into a being, if that could only be said for the creature that stood before Eric. It was a hideous human-like creature, and yet it still retained human features such as eyes, a mouth, arms and legs. Yet it had no nose, and its face was covered up by a full-face mask, much more precise than Eric's flimsy piece of plastic.

Whoa! Erik became more casual in tone, chuckling. I need some ICE because I just got BURNED! High-five," Erik offered his hand, but Eric simply ignored him.

"Maybe later," Eric remarked softly, putting the bouquet away in his coat pocket and approaching the door to the Ice Palace. "For now, I have business to do."

Erik shrugged and vanished once again into thin air. Your loss.

Eric rang the doorbell to Darcy's apartment and patiently waited for her to answer.

"Who is it?"

Eric rocked back and forth on his heels in anxiety as he usually had a bad habit of doing, and when she opened the door, his anxiety was as prevalent as ever. Despite this, he smiled and stated, "Hi, Darcy. It's me."

``NOTES!
``STATUS! o_________o
``MUSE! ERIK
``TAG! Darcy
``OUTFIT!
``WORD COUNT! A LOT o_____________________O
``CREDIT! PAULAA!? @ caution2.0

[tig]

Joe Friday ran out out the open door, and yipped at the new comers ankles, as Darcy's bright blue eyes went from Eric's face, to the flowers, and back. She burst out through the door, hugging him almost violently. "Eric! What are you-" Wait a minute. The sleeves of her Father's shirt reminded of her of the state of her appearance. "You didn't call!" She said, as if explaining a question that had not even been asked. "I'm a total mess!" Darcy grabbed his hand and pulled him in, Joe Friday following behind on his squat little legs.

Going down the hall, Darcy thought of how she could go and pretty up without abandoning him. She could continue to talk to him and try to multi-task. Or she could try and give him something to do so that she could sneak away... Both things seemed terribly rude, but she couldn't just continue looking like this. Her Father very rarely saw her in her pajamas and with out make up, and he changed her diapers. Sort of. Well, he could have been in the same room. Maybe. He's known her for a very long time, suffice it to say. People just didn't see her like this.

She hadn't given him, Eric, much chance to look at her straight on. Between the glompage and the leading him to the living room, Darcy had been systematically been hiding her face, for the most part, away from him. He would have only been able to get fleeting glances of her, had he been quick enough. "Your such a dear, bringing me flowers." Darcy quickly pecked him on the cheek, smelling the flowers deeply. It took a moment, while preoccupied with her vanity, to realize that they were sunflowers. Her mouth opened a little, and she stopped thinking about her face. "Sunflowers..." Truly touched, she touched their petals softly, finding a brilliant red rose beneath him. Like a surprise, added to a surprise. With her penetrating blue eyes, she looked at him straight on. "Thank you."

But then she remembered her face. Touching her messy hair, she bit her lip. "Umm, I should go and.... make myself not look terrible." The little Yorkie yipped, as if reminding her that he was there. "Oh! This is Joe Friday. Um, don't worry, he doesn't bite."

[/SIZE]
_____________________________________
notes: The highlighted stuff is the pictures of her apartment, and her outfit. xDDD Sorry for not asking, but you said you wanted Eric to awaken soon, so I figured I'd start this.
tags: Eric Lonesinner
listening to: Katy Perry
mood: Wired
picture lyrics: None
other lyrics: i'm not a thief, i'm a treasure hunter by a skylit drive
made by: callie! at RPGU and CAUTION
_____________________________________
[/center]

[hbghost]

IF WE RUN THIS LIGHT TAKE A LITTLE LIFE
no one will care at all

w e c a n b u r n i t a n d l e a v e
FOR WE ARE THE BEAUTIFUL THEIVES
a n d n o o n e s u s p e c t s a t a l l

"Eric! What are you... You didn't call!"

Eric only chuckled.

"Why, of course I didn't. Don't you know what the word 'surprise' means?" he replied, crossing his arms while she received the bouquet. "Besides, if I called, then it you would be expecting my arrival, and that wouldn't be right for the mood I was about to set."

"I'm a total mess!"

Eric let her pull him in, but he stopped her from running off.

"It doesn't matter, Darcy. You still look nice," he attempted to interject, smiling calmly. "Speaking of which, there's something I have to tell you that happened since we saw each other last..."

He could tell what he had said went in one ear and out the other since he saw Darcy fretting. He needed to let her know somehow that there was someone out there worse appearance-wise than her. He needed to let her know that she was still beautiful, and that true ugliness was at its knees in front of her. But how...?

Oh, no, you're not, Erik commented from nearby in Eric's mind, reading his mind. You are not going to do what I think you're going to do.

I have to, Eric replied in his mind. She has to know. I trust her enough not to run away.

But then again, it's not too late for her to run away, Erik pointed out. It's not exactly past the point of no return.

If she loves me for who I am, then she won't run away, Eric confirmed in his mind. When we met in the gym, when she took off my mask and wore it herself... told me it looked nice... that was the first test, and she passed it... I'm sure it wouldn't hurt...

I warned you...

"Your such a dear, bringing me flowers."

Eric ignored Erik for the time being while Darcy spoke.

"Well, I couldn't come empty-handed," he admitted. "People like me just don't do that. I had to bring you a present to let you know I still care about you."

"Sunflowers..."

"Your favorite," Eric pointed out, smiling sweetly. "Included with mine. They're together, you see."

Too far, too soon...

"Thank you."

"You're welcome," Eric politely replied, ignoring the remark of his shadowy companion.

"Umm, I should go and.... make myself not look terrible."

"No, please, stay," Eric blurted out while Erik mentally facepalmed. "Please, I beg you... You will never wish to wear makeup again after what I am about to tell you... and show you." He paused for emphasis, before continuing, "It will make you change your opinion about natural beauty... that it does not come for granted, but for privilege, and for gift..."

``NOTES! Erick~
``STATUS! Complete
``MUSE! Down Once More / Track Down This Murderer - Phantom of the Opera Original Cast ST
``TAG! Darcy
``OUTFIT!
``WORD COUNT!
``CREDIT! PAULAA!? @ caution2.0

[tig]

Eric was always such a poet. To be honest, at times, it was truly lost on Darcy. Not that she was dumb. She was just really literal. But the gravity of his voice, despite this new found confidence it held (which, can she say, was a little sexy. Well of course she can. It's her brain, so there ), made panic strike in her belly. She backtracked to what he was trying to say, but she was too worried about her stupid face.

"-there's something I have to tell you that happened since we saw each other last..."

Her round blue eyes widened more. "Wait. What happened? Did someone hurt you? Because if they did my Father has some of the best lawyers in New York, you just say the word Eric-" But wait. He wouldn't have come with a smile and flowers if someone had hurt him. Confusion washed over Darcy's pretty face. The prickled feeling that had been washed over her so drastically instantly wiped away, leaving her face nervous. "I'll be honest Eric, you're kinda freakin me out here. What is it?"

This new found (sexy) confidence had to be caused by something. Did he get a girlfriend. Seeming with out provocation, Darcy's face instantly stiffened at the thought. It shouldn't make her mad, or jealous, or sad... Eric was her friend. If he found someone pretty or smart or talented she would be happy for him. Joyful. It would be a delight to meet the girl. Wonderful. She'd be Ex-fricken-static.

Then why did all this mystery girl's (let's call her Katalina, as all fantasy rival girls should have an exotic name) qualities come out as a sneer in Darcy's mind? Oh, she'd be beautiful. Pale, like the drama girls were. Because that's what Eric would like, right? With dark raven hair, and bright, smoldering eyes that bore into your soul. Slender, and perfect, and lithe. She probably wouldn't have to live on Yogurt or Grapefruit, or exercise constantly to have this perfect physic. She could dance and sing, charm and use rapier wit. Whisper sweet nothings to Eric in one of the seven languages she spoke.

Darcy wanted to punch her in the face.

But why? For the most part Darcy was a pretty non-violent person.

Did she hate Katalina?

Was she jealous of Katalina?

Was there even a Katalina to hate or be jealous of?

Setting the flowers down on the coffee table, and grabbing Eric's hand, she pulled him on the couch next to her, her blue eyes completely fixated on him. She didn't even looked down when Joe Friday leaped in between them, the jealous boy that he was. "Eric. What's goin on?" Darcy took his hands, she held them with her jotted nerves, completely forgetting about her unprimped face.

[/SIZE]
_____________________________________
notes: The highlighted stuff is the pictures of her apartment, and her outfit. xDDD Sorry for not asking, but you said you wanted Eric to awaken soon, so I figured I'd start this.
tags: Eric Lonesinner
listening to: Katy Perry
mood: Wired
picture lyrics: None
other lyrics: i'm not a thief, i'm a treasure hunter by a skylit drive
made by: callie! at RPGU and CAUTION
_____________________________________
[/center]

[hbghost]

IF WE RUN THIS LIGHT TAKE A LITTLE LIFE
no one will care at all

w e c a n b u r n i t a n d l e a v e
FOR WE ARE THE BEAUTIFUL THEIVES
a n d n o o n e s u s p e c t s a t a l l

"Wait. What happened? Did someone hurt you? Because if they did my Father has some of the best lawyers in New York, you just say the word Eric-"

Eric sighed. He might have as well explained it now.

"Darcy, it doesn't seem like a big deal at first. I did get hurt, but not in a palpable way. Besides, even if you were to search for the culprit, you wouldn't be able to find him because he does not exist. I'm not saying I hurt myself," Eric explained, although subconsciously he fidgeted with his mask, "but it also wasn't from an external force. It was from... within, if you know what I mean."

"I'll be honest Eric, you're kinda freakin me out here. What is it?"

"I'm sorry if it scares you. But it's something you have to know about. It'll fill up all those holes, everything you don't already know about me. It's a secret I've had ever since the start of last year, and I'm tired of keeping it. It's been between me, my family, my... friends, and... my mask." Hopefully, she would get the hint.

"Eric. What's goin on?"

"I told you not to fix yourself up to look nice because then... once I showed you, then we would be equal. I wanted to tell you, although not exactly through words or the most pleasant of sights, that... you are beautiful, with or without makeup or hair fixed neatly. I... on the other hand... am hideous. A monster beyond mortal belief. It is only because you realized I have also a human nature, a soul, and a mask - both an internal and external mask - that we've been friends for as long as we have. Do you need proof? Only say the word and I shall give to you all of the proof you need."

Only say the word...

``NOTES! Mask time!
``STATUS! Complete
``MUSE!
``TAG! Darcy
``OUTFIT!
``WORD COUNT!
``CREDIT! PAULAA!? @ caution2.0

[tig]

Darcy was clutching his hands tightly as he gave his speech. It was so Eric: eloquent, mysterious, belittling himself, praising her. She was too nervous to think much on the grace of his words, and blatant confusion was on her face. When he called himself a monster, she released his hands and crossed her arms, giving a softly disapproving look. Why was he always so harsh with himself. True, the kids at school were mean to him. And to Darcy for being friends. But she liked him. This had to have something to do with his mask.

It had to be.

Instead of saying the word, Darcy lifted her hand to his mask, and resting there for a moment. Why was she so nervous? She had see his face before. It was that bad. But still her her hand shook ever so slightly, and her breath had stopped momentarily. She couldn't compare this to anything really. Her hand moved light as a butterfly removing the peculair white mask, but it wasn't in her hand long. With a loud gasp (she really hadn't meant it to be so loud, it just sorta happened) she dropped it on the couch, and Joe Friday yipped at Eric confusedly. Darcy tried to shush him, mostly to stall finding her words, but when he proved to be unshushable she held a 'one moment' finger and put him out on the patio. Joe Friday scratched at the door woefully, but at least he wasn't in Eric's face yappin.

Come on Darcy, use your words. She knew how sensitive Eric could be. If she kept up this silence, he was going to assume the worse: that she found him hideous. Not even Darcy could say that she found these wounds particularly smexin, but Eric could never be hideous. Not to her. "Oh Eric." She breathed, not sure what to say. She couldn't just outright say: HOLY SHIT, but I still like you! And she couldn't say: It's not that bad. Because he'd know she was full of it. This was a situation that seem to call for finesse with words and a great amount of tact, something Darcy lacked in both spectrums.

So she just hugged him.

A tight hug, around his chest, head resting on his shoulder. Hopefully it would be enough to let him know that she was here for him.

[/SIZE]
_____________________________________
notes: The highlighted stuff is the pictures of her apartment, and her outfit. xDDD Sorry for not asking, but you said you wanted Eric to awaken soon, so I figured I'd start this.
tags: Eric Lonesinner
listening to: Katy Perry
mood: Wired
picture lyrics: None
other lyrics: i'm not a thief, i'm a treasure hunter by a skylit drive
made by: callie! at RPGU and CAUTION
_____________________________________
[/center]

[hbghost]

IF WE RUN THIS LIGHT TAKE A LITTLE LIFE
no one will care at all

w e c a n b u r n i t a n d l e a v e
FOR WE ARE THE BEAUTIFUL THEIVES
a n d n o o n e s u s p e c t s a t a l l

She had done it.

She had taken the mask off and experienced the horrors that lay underneath it.

I can't watch, Erik whimpered from a nearby mirror, vanishing instantly into the shadows.

Eric expected the worst. He expected her to scream and react fiercely just as the dog was doing. He expected her to never want to see him again.

But the opposite was true.

She was still surprised, but she didn't have as violent of a reaction as he had expected. Instead, she put the yapping dog out and returned to his side, before breathing a simple phrase.

"Oh Eric."

A short, simple phrase, with all the power in the world. Most if not all doubt was erased from Eric's mind. Darcy... he felt as if she did potentially love him. Not as a lover, but perhaps as a friend. Just a friend. That was all Eric needed to get by.

And then, she embraced him.

He embraced her back, resting his head - the normal side of his face - on the top of hers and holding that position for a few minutes. He wanted to cherish those seconds where it was just her and him, sitting together without faces to discern them.

Finally, he broke apart from her, looking her straight in the eye with concern in his eyes and what was distinguishable of his face. Out of the corner of his one puffy eye, he noticed Erik materializing again with clear shock on his face. However, now was not the time to talk to Erik. Now was the time to talk to Darcy.

"This is what I have to deal with, Darcy. This is what WE have to deal with, if we ever get that far," Eric whispered to her, as if an unknown presence other than Erik could hear them. "An eternity of this, this face, before our very eyes. It's not something that can be fixed with plastic surgery of any kind. It's a curse I and only I bear, and I am... well... I am glad of it, because no one else has to suffer it. No one else has to go through... well... this. But that doesn't mean I like it."

Not at all, Erik remarked.

"So if you want to leave me now after I have revealed myself to you, I understand. I won't be upset. I won't even be upset if you sell me to the freak show, the vaudeville. Because I'll have known that, once upon a time, we were... we... were..." It was there that Eric began to stumble on his words. "We... were..."

Come on, you were doing so good there...!

"We were once lovers, whether we were open about it or not. If it were otherwise, don't reveal it to me now, since... that is what I would like to think. As I have ruined your perception of me with the truth, please don't ruin mine of you." He sighed and continued, "I've gotten over Kat. My... well, the other victim, you could say."

Of the phantom.

"Of the phantom," Eric added, nodding toward the mirror. "And... well... I realized she didn't hate me because I was... well... overprotective and... well... sometimes violent. She disliked me because she wanted someone else. She wanted to be set free. And... I did. So I am willing to set you free if... that is what you desire." His eyes were starting to water now, and he tried to blink back his tears.

``NOTES! kiss kiss kiss kiss kiss kiss
``STATUS! Complete~
``MUSE! Good~
``TAG! Darcy~
``OUTFIT!
``WORD COUNT!
``CREDIT! PAULAA!? @ caution2.0

[tig]

Oh dear, why was he breaking the perfect hug? It was... well... perfect. Dangit, it had been the first time Darcy had thought she was doing something right in this whole affair. But Eric still had things to say, that was fair. She could understand that, even if his poetic prose were a little lost on her. Darcy watched him closely, trying not to let her hyperactive mind take control.

Let's see here... He was hating on himself again. But it was different this time. He was happy to go through it? Oh Eric, you curious thing you! It looked rather painful. What had caused it, she wondered. FOCUS Darcy! Eric had on his serious voice, so this must be serious business. He was now telling her it was okay if she wanted to leave him.

Oh that again.

Darcy's look of concentration deepened in a look of near annoyance. Were they still on that? Had she wanted him away, Darcy (in her infinite lack of anything resembling tact) would have had him away by now! He had to know that. He just had- wait. Did he say lovers? A blush crept up on Darcy as he told her not to correct him if he was wrong. But was he? Hadn't she just been fretting over how he could be with Katalina? So, in some ways, it was true right? Besides, Katalina was just a figment of her over active imagin-

"-I've gotten over Kat."

Darcy's brain exploded a little, so she completely missed the victim bit. So. Kat wasn't a current. No, it was far worse. She was an ex. HOW COULD DARCY COMPETE WITH THAT? He had to get over her! He had to get over her! That means he had been stuck on her, even for a minute. Which means she was probably this freakin Goddess, who was probably musically inclined and brilliant and perfect. Oooh, sadface. Darcy's brain came back too when he said such terrible words:

"So I am willing to set you free if... that is what you desire."

No! No, no, no, no! What was he doing? Was this noble or something? Maybe what he had been saying between Kat and desire had been important. But if she asked him to repeat, he'd know she wasn't listening. Besides, it didn't matter! Darcy loved hanging out with Eric! She had to say something! Had to stop this stupid noble dance of nobility and make sure he didn't go back off to his shell and hide away forever!

Screw it!

Darcy's brain was a buzzin, and quite frankly it was starting to give her a headache. So no more relying on thinking. It was overrated anyway. Time to feel. And she felt that no Eric telling her random bits of theater trivia and pausing the Sound of Music every ten minutes to explain something to her was just awful. So, with her Darcy patented courage she kissed him lightly (almost as if to test that it was okay) on the left corner of his mouth. She didn't pull away, and instead waited for him to react.

[/SIZE]
_____________________________________
notes: The highlighted stuff is the pictures of her apartment, and her outfit. xDDD Sorry for not asking, but you said you wanted Eric to awaken soon, so I figured I'd start this.
tags: Eric Lonesinner
listening to: Katy Perry
mood: Wired
picture lyrics: None
other lyrics: i'm not a thief, i'm a treasure hunter by a skylit drive
made by: callie! at RPGU and CAUTION
_____________________________________
[/center]

[hbghost]

IF WE RUN THIS LIGHT TAKE A LITTLE LIFE
no one will care at all

w e c a n b u r n i t a n d l e a v e
FOR WE ARE THE BEAUTIFUL THEIVES
a n d n o o n e s u s p e c t s a t a l l

Eric panted after he had finished his speech, and he wiped a tear from the undamaged side of his face, hoping Darcy had fully understood.

From the vacant expression in her eyes, you can tell she didn't, Erik pointed out. While you're telling your sobstory, I'm actually watching her.

Like the creeper you are, Eric thought to Erik, since he didn't want Darcy to hear him.

And it was then that she kissed him.

It was a nice, soft kiss. Not too rough like they were extreme lovers, but not so soft it was extremely awkward. It was simply a kiss. And it was a kiss that Eric returned eagerly. He redelivered the kiss a little more passionately, as if he had finally overcome his over-protectiveness of Kat. He didn't really care about her anymore, now that she was with (ugh) Gino. He didn't care about his face, or hers, or anyone's. He didn't care about music, or dancing, or composing, or any aspect of the arts. For once, while he was here with Darcy, he was normal, and that was all he could ask for.

All he could ask of her.

``NOTES! It's short, I know, and it's gradually becoming uninteresting. xD
``STATUS! Complete
``MUSE! Ish.
``TAG! Darcy
``OUTFIT!
``WORD COUNT!
``CREDIT! PAULAA!? @ caution2.0

[tig]

Now this was something Darcy knew a thing or two about. True, she was not the brightest crayon in the box. Some might go so far as to call her a little dim. And vain. And naive. But she had a lot of heart, and a whole lot of love to give.

She was completely thrilled when Eric kissed her back. His kiss was... complicated. Needing, but strong. Passionate, but gentle. Sweet, but sexy. Darcy shifted closer to him, ignoring Joe Friday's scratching at the sliding glass door. Everything was perfect, though she did wish that she could go off and primp a bit. Eric said it didn't matter to him, but she still wanted to look pretty for him. If she couldn't be smart for him, which she accepted pretty much off the bat, she could at least look good.

Joe Friday, who was such a small dog, gave out a loud bark; causing Darcy to look at him with mild annoyance. "Joe Friday! Shut your fricken gob!" The Yorkie laid down, looking a little stung, but finally quiet. She smiled at Eric coyly, and kissed him sweetly on the mouth. "Sooo," Her voice was musing, "Are you hungry? It's Thanksgiving after all, and I know a killer Chinese place that has some bomb Orange Chicken and delivers. Or we could do Italian, or French, or really anything you want. No one here ever cooks, so we have all the take out places on speed dial that deliver on holidays." Her smile was wide, as she leaned down and kissed him on the neck, enjoying herself greatly. "We could pop in a movie, and just hang out a bit. It'd be cool, huh?"

She had been expecting today to be awful, lonely, and full of bitter resentment that she would one day spill to a therapist. Instead, Eric showed up, baring flowers no less, and she couldn't help but smile. Picking up the bouquet she inhaled deeply. "They really are perfect. I should get them in water." Darcy's smile filled her blue eyes, giving them an uncanny brightness. She entered the kitchen and began looking around for a vase.

[/SIZE]
_____________________________________
notes: The highlighted stuff is the pictures of her apartment, and her outfit. xDDD Sorry for not asking, but you said you wanted Eric to awaken soon, so I figured I'd start this.
tags: Eric Lonesinner
listening to: Katy Perry
mood: Wired
picture lyrics: None
other lyrics: i'm not a thief, i'm a treasure hunter by a skylit drive
made by: callie! at RPGU and CAUTION
_____________________________________
[/center]

[hbghost]

IF WE RUN THIS LIGHT TAKE A LITTLE LIFE
no one will care at all

w e c a n b u r n i t a n d l e a v e
FOR WE ARE THE BEAUTIFUL THEIVES
a n d n o o n e s u s p e c t s a t a l l

All was good and fine until the kiss was rudely interrupted.

"Joe Friday! Shut your fricken gob!"

Eric chuckled at the small dog's reaction.

"He's a cutie," Eric commented, before walking up to him and holding his hand out for the dog to sniff. He then gently petted the dog, his touch soft and gentle against the tiny dog's fur. "Yorkie, I'm guessing? Or a mix?"

After all this time, Erik continued to be speechless.

You know what, Eric? There has always been an unanswered question going through my mind that I need to know the answer to NOW. How can you be such a pussy and STILL be more successful in love than me?!

However, Eric ignored Erik's insult and continued to pet Joe Friday.

"Mom loved dogs. Even though she was allergic, she would still research all the different breeds and then fantasize about which ones she wanted, Eric explained, walking back over to Darcy. "However, she would just keep her dreams between me and my sister, who's in the monastery, because Dad never liked animals. At least, I don't think he did," Eric took a moment to sigh wistfully. "They're both dead, by the way. Died this past spring in a car crash."

Though I'd take Puck any day, Erik added. Puck was amusing and was hilarious when he was annoyed.

Eric was about to snap at Erik when Darcy had kissed him.

"Sooo, are you hungry? It's Thanksgiving after all, and I know a killer Chinese place that has some bomb Orange Chicken and delivers. Or we could do Italian, or French, or really anything you want. No one here ever cooks, so we have all the take out places on speed dial that deliver on holidays."

"Sure," Eric replied, before adding, "which leads me to the other reason I came... Uncle Jamie's away for a while, so I don't really have anywhere to spend Thanksgiving break. I REALLY don't want to spend it at Barrie, since that would lead to only one thing, and that's studying. Besides, the classes over at Barrie are way harder than at Baum. So... could I spend break here, if it's okay with your parents?" Eric paused, instantly remembering he had forgotten to answer Darcy's other question. "Italian would be good."

He smiled as she kissed him on the neck.

"We could pop in a movie, and just hang out a bit. It'd be cool, huh?"

"That'd be awesome," Eric agreed, before asking, "Could I pick? I have some renting money."

Erik groaned. He knew what was coming.

If I have to see Gerard Butler's face ONE MORE TIME... he moaned, before vanishing.

Eric smirked. It was the perfect way to get Erik out of the picture.

``NOTES! ;P
``STATUS! Complete
``MUSE! ... Lady Gaga.
``TAG! Darcy
``OUTFIT!
``WORD COUNT!
``CREDIT! PAULAA!? @ caution2.0

[tig]

Darcy couldn't help but smile as Eric petted Joe Friday's silky coat. There was this idea that if you could punt it, it wasn't really a dog; which men seemed to have stuck into their psyche. Obviously those men had never come toe to toe with little, but feisty, Joe Friday. He was brave enough to stare down a German Shepard square in the eye, and not so much as quiver in fear. At the moment he licked at Eric's fingers in glee at the attention. "He's a Toy Yorkie, though he seems convinced that he's a St. Bernard or something."

Darcy's face solemnized a bit as Eric mentioned his parents. Again, Darcy had fear of foot-in-the-mouth-syndrome, which she had so often. A hug might be to distract, she didn't want to embarrass him after all. And to say she was sorry might have the same effect. Not sure what to do, she squeezed his hand tenderly, hoping her blue eyes would say everything that was needed.

And then he said something that made her light up, despite the grave statement previously made. He wanted to stay the holiday with her? Tat would be... absolutely, perfectly, one hundred percent, wonderful! But there was the trouble with her Father. He had a habit of showing up whenever he pleased, as he rightly should, but Darcy didn't want Eric to be the receiver of that wrath. "If you were here that would be perfect! But... I should probably call and make sure Daddy won't be coming home for a while. He's not to fond of boys." Winking at him in Darcy fashioned mischief, she reached for the phone behind her and dialed Bianca's (her Father's assistant) number. "You should probably stay quiet. Technically your not suppose to even be inside." She gave a sly giggle the phone began to ring.

"Hello, this is Bianca Carmichael." Bianca's stony voice came through the line, as always sounding annoyed.

Darcy pulled one of the pigtail bands out as she talked. "Hey Bee. Is my Dad around."

"Oh, Darcy. How nice to hear from you." Of course, it really didn't sound like she was pleased. It might have something to do with the fact that Bianca was horribly in love with James Hart, whose taste lied more in models in their lower twenties, instead of divorcee's in their mid '30's' "He's actually a little b-"

"It'll only take a sec Bee, no worries." Darcy said in a poisoned honey voice, giving Eric an angelic grin that hardly matched. "It'd be far less distracting than if I was to call continuously in ten second intervals."

Darcy could hear the steam coming out of Bianca's ears, especially since she knew Darcy would make good on her threat. "James? Darcia's on the phone." Darcy flinched outwardly at the use of her proper name. Darcia, bleh. Her parent's never called her that, not even when she was mad. Which causes one to wonder, why in bloody hell would they name her that. "Yes I told her. She's being insistent."

Darcy could hear giggles in the back round, causing her to roll her eyes as she shot her hair tie across the room. Joe Friday instantly roused up and fetched it for her. "Hello?"

"Hey Daddy!" Suddenly Darcy's voice was full of affection, and to a small degree, reverence. Even though her Father was away often, the two were far closer to each other that Darcy was to her Mother, Jillian.

"Hey Princess, Happy Thanksgiving." James Hart sounded distracted, but affectionate.

"Happy Thanksgiving. I was just wondering when you were going to come home." It probably hurt James to hear his daughter sound so hopeful. It would probably hurt him even more to know that it was false, but if she sounded like she was digging around than it would probably arise suspicion. Can't have that.

And true to Darcy's suspicion, he sounded a bit contrite. "Oh, I'm sorry Princess. I'm here fr the next week and a half."

Though Darcy sounded shocked and disappointed (truth be told, she was not at all shocked), she grinned at Eric. "But that's all of break!" And the oscar goes toooo....

"I know Sugar Bean, but there's still so much to do. This photographer only speaks German, Cassidy is brand new at this-"

"Daddy, it's alright. I'll be okay. Don't worry about it." Guilt hit her, but only slightly.

"Listen Princess, when I get back I'll take you out to do wh-"

"Whatever I like. Alright Dad, really, it's no big deal. I didn't mean to bug you in the middle of work."

"Don't worry about it. But I do have to go, I'll call you later-" He'd forget, she was sure. "I love you Princess. Try and have a good Thankgiving."

"Love you too Daddy. And don't worry," She grinned at Eric. "I'm sure I'll find some way to entertain myself. Love you Dad."

"Love you too, Sweetie." And dial tone.

She clicked the end button and tossed the phone aside flippantly. "You can stay." Darcy's voice bore a tone of finality. "But you don't need to go out for a movie. We have a butt load, some aren't even open." She pointed to the entertainment center, pulling her remaining hair tie out.

The Hart's had a vast movie collection, only because her Father was a collector of sorts. Movies were one of his passions, especially old black and whites, and musicals. Darcy was, usually, uninterested in movies; but a movie date with Eric...

Well, suffice it to say she was containing a girlish squeal.

[/SIZE]
_____________________________________
notes: So, I'm thinking her talent should be acting.
tags: Eric Lonesinner
listening to: Katy Perry
mood: Wired
picture lyrics: None
other lyrics: i'm not a thief, i'm a treasure hunter by a skylit drive
made by: callie! at RPGU and CAUTION
_____________________________________
[/center]

[hbghost]

IF WE RUN THIS LIGHT TAKE A LITTLE LIFE
no one will care at all

w e c a n b u r n i t a n d l e a v e
FOR WE ARE THE BEAUTIFUL THEIVES
a n d n o o n e s u s p e c t s a t a l l

"He's a Toy Yorkie, though he seems convinced that he's a St. Bernard or something."

Well, that was understandable. Eric chuckled as the small dog licked his fingers.

"Quite a cutie," Eric repeated, before giving Joe Friday a soft rub on the head and standing up, facing Darcy.

When she squeezed his hand, Eric sighed. "Yeah, I've gotten over it. I mean, it's not like I don't miss them anymore, but they're not part of the..."

Rather vast, Erik interjected.

Eric looked uncomfortably toward the mirror.

"... Rather vast... list of things I cry about," Eric shamefully concluded, while Erik smirked from the mirror.

Takes a real man to admit he's a wuss, Erik commented, grinning maliciously.

"Shut up!" Eric blurted out, suddenly turning red both from Erik's comment and the fact that...

Darcy was still there?

Oh, crap.

"Not you," Eric shamefully corrected, turning his back to her while his face glowed a brighter red than Rudolph's nose. "I... I have issues."

"If you were here that would be perfect! But... I should probably call and make sure Daddy won't be coming home for a while. He's not to fond of boys."

Thankfully, that sudden burst had come before Darcy had her father on the phone.

"I could imagine," Eric replied, smiling sweetly at Darcy. "If I was your father, I would surely try to keep you... safe from harm."

...That's seriously how I sounded with Christine? Erik pondered.

"You should probably stay quiet. Technically your not suppose to even be inside."

Eric nodded. From then on, he would keep his concerns inside his mind.

If her father met me... as in, in a planned setting and not her home... would he like me?

Probably not, Erik replied. The mask can be a little misleading. Only total creepers wear masks... and so do we, of course.

That's been your excuse for everyone I've met, Eric retorted. What if he understands, like Darcy does? What if he can... accept me?

Yeah, and a crazy mob of people didn't chase me to my eventual demise, Erik pointed out. And the newer movie was SO much better than the original musical... I'll have to give Lloyd that, by the way..."

"Happy Thanksgiving. I was just wondering when you were going to come home."

Eric rolled his eyes. He hated when Erik was being sarcastic.

Seriously, Erik... I think there are people out there who... well, they care.

Well, let me know if you find any. OTHER than Darcy, by the way, Erik retorted. She might just be feeling sorry for you. I heavily doubt she's going to be the next Chri... Kat. Kat, I mean.

"I'm sure I'll find some way to entertain myself. Love you Dad."

Eric smirked.

You're jealous, aren't you?[

A little slow on the uptake there, but... well... yeah. It also takes a man to admit when he's a little over the edge, Erik stated guiltily.

I knew it, Eric thought; it was difficult to resist the urge to exclaim it out loud for Darcy to hear. You're jealous of me because I had the guts to move on. Is that it? That's why you're so ticked at me, I know it. You're just jealous because Darcy's ten times the Christine you'll ever get. Eric also resisted the urge to stick his tongue out at the mirror.

"You can stay."

Darcy's voice distracted him from his thoughts with Erik.

"Really? Wow," Eric exclaimed.

"But you don't need to go out for a movie. We have a butt load, some aren't even open."

"Well, in that case, you probably have the one I'm looking for," Eric purred, kissing Darcy on the nose while heading toward where Darcy had gestured.

You know, I hate this type of irony, Erik moaned, but Eric ignored him.

``NOTES! Loooooooooooooong
``STATUS! Looooooooooong
``MUSE! Good~
``TAG! Darcy~
``OUTFIT!
``WORD COUNT! a lot
``CREDIT! PAULAA!? @ caution2.0

[tig]

There were some things that were, well, a little off about Eric. He was sweet, sensitive, smart. Darcy couldn't say the face thing didn't bother her, not honestly. But it was more a how-did-it-happen-bother, as oppose to a ewww-gross-get-away-from-me-bother. But, in an attempt to show some tact, she decided not to inquire on it. She wanted this to be a fun visit for him anyway. But then he did something that was weird, like yell shut up out of no where. Her round blue eyes grew a bit, and her pouted mouth opened to gently protest when he explained (kinda) that he wasn't talking to her. That he had, quote on quote, "issues".

Well that should be concerning. Cocking her head a little to the side, she decided almost instantly not to say anything. After all, he was lonely. Maybe he was telling himself, in his mind to shut up? His mood changed almost instantly, as he kissed her on her nose sweetly. A light, pink, blush swelled on Darcy's cheeks as she looked downwards coyly. "I'll just order the food then." He wanted Italian, but Darcy was herself was in the mood for Greek. Grabbing the phone, she pranced away in her patented Darcy-like fashion, taking this as a moment to go and tidy herself up. Joe Friday, oddly, decided to stay in the room with Eric; proof that he was a good guy. Joe, after all, had a great judge of character. Running the brush through her bronzy hair, she ordered the food: Gnocchi and some Tagliatelle with Bolognese sauce from the Italian place, and some stuffed grape leaves from the Greek place. She left her hair down, though it was smoother than before, and she applied her make up ever so lightly. A natural look, that's what would appeal to Eric, she was sure.

Changing seemed out of the question. Besides, it wasn't like she didn't look cute. Staring at her reflection, she gave a (basically) satisfied look and went back out to the living room. "The food should be here in about forty minutes." Darcy announced lightly. "And we have soda and juice in the fridge." Curling a lock of hair on her index finger, she added slyly, "And my Dad has some champagne and wine that he won't really miss."

Eric was exactly what Darcy needed. Not like those awful guys she had dated in the past. Eric did not have an ounce of 'judgy, pressure-you-into-sex, douchbaggery' that her prior boyfriend had had. But on the subject of the naughty 'S' word, where was he sleeping. Her cheeks re-pinked as she thought on it. There was a guest room, but it's not like they would have to do anything if he slept in her room. Darcy tugged on the hair wrapped around her finger nervously. "Sooo," Her voice had a little, barely noticeable, squeak to it. "How about a tour?"

[/SIZE]
_____________________________________
notes: The highlighted stuff is the pictures of her apartment, and her outfit. xDDD Sorry for not asking, but you said you wanted Eric to awaken soon, so I figured I'd start this.
tags: Eric Lonesinner
listening to: Katy Perry
mood: Wired
picture lyrics: None
other lyrics: i'm not a thief, i'm a treasure hunter by a skylit drive
made by: callie! at RPGU and CAUTION
_____________________________________
[/center]