Whitzz/544K-RP-Datasets huggingface dataset:
Thread: Ghost of Demon Past (Soul &+&+ Alvis)

A sense of numb automation took over Jai's body, allowing her to move, albeit unsteadily, alongside of Carl as they made their way outside of the building. The words he spoke were gentle, concerned, encouraging, and they would have been a sincere comfort to her if proper functionality were in place. But that had that dissipated from the moment that she had recognized the patron at the bar, all but gone into extinction in fact. This is Gold Wing, the statement whispered across her mind. This is supposed to be the goo in freeze-tag, where no one can touch me and I am unarguably safe. My friends are here and Mel is downstairs running the fight club and there are bouncers and security everywhere... almost everyone here is associated with the Eagles... how... Her thoughts trailed off into silence, nothingness, when she felt a stroke of cool, crisp air settle over her face and body, eliciting a cool shiver to travel over the length of her nerves. Subconscious need for warmth caused her to push just the slightest bit closer to Carl, and she reminded herself over and over how to breathe, that she needed to breathe, that she needed to calm down at least a little bit if she wanted anything to get resolved. Seconds passed by like minutes, like hours, and finally after a long silence from her part, Jaime felt stable enough to lower herself down into a crouched position on the pavement beneath their feet. I live alone... She found herself admitting in the quietest of tones, her voice having stabilized some. I live alone and I walked to work today... I... Her throat closed around a lump, and she hesitated, swallowing dryly. He's here... he's in there at the bar... I don't... how did he get in... why... He's here and he can't be here. He can't be. It's not... I-I... Her eyes were burning with salty liquid otherwise known as tears, desperate to let just one escape to slide down the smooth skin of her cheek. But her resolve held firm, and the tears, for the moment, were kept at bay. I can't do this... I can't be here... He can't know... It's over... It's all over... By the time she finished speaking her words were a near whimper, and every bit of resolve to keep herself from breaking down into tears had completely evaporated, leaving the girl short of breath in soft weeps.
Thread: Ghost of Demon Past (Soul &+&+ Alvis)

Her eyes slid closed slowly as she concentrated on calming herself down, regaining her composure, shutting down all emotions and returning to her stony, numb, immune state. Although she wasn't particularly close to Carl- hell, she barely knew him at all- it was comforting being in the presence of someone else, especially considering how big and bruiting he could come off based upon his appearance. He was safe, at least for the time being, and that was all that mattered. Not to mention the fact that he was being genuine and kind enough to account for most men as a whole. I... don't know if it'd be a good idea to cause a scene by having him thrown out, she said softly after a long silence. And Mel would definitely make an even bigger scene out of it. You mean bigger than the scene that already went on? Another voice filled the air from behind them, distinctly female, and caused Jai to jump slightly. It belonged to Melanie Singer. the woman that owned the place and kept it running smoothly and efficiently. A tall, slender woman with straight black hair, clear green eyes, and tanned skin signature of her Native descent, it was undeniable that she was a pure beauty, but her looks were equally accompanied by smarts. She was a highly respected member of the Eagles- by whom the club was publicly. The Eagles. The under-classed, mob-like version of a gang, of which held a strong presence in the city of Flora. Unlike common stereotypes of gangs or mobs though, the Eagles were highly respected members of society by both the law and citizens alike. Not out of fear, and not out of under-handed wads of cash, but by the fact that the Eagles were a sanction of nothing but heart-filled individuals. They were a family of misfits, outcasts, and down-trodden alike, all working together to help keep the city a bearable place, and offer those in need a place that they knew they belonged, and arms of protection and true, unconditional love. Mel, who had decided to dress a bit more simply than her usual attire in but a fitting white collared button-up blouse, tucked neatly into a pair of black slacks, moved to step around from behind the two. The sound of her heels clicked against the pavement, and she sighed softly as she squatted down and clasped her hands together over her knees, looking between the pair. Don't suppose someone would like to fill me in on what's going on? She asked expectantly. Jai swallowe, biting the inside of her lower lip gently as she lifted her gaze to meet with Melanie's. Desmond.
Thread: Ghost of Demon Past (Soul &+&+ Alvis)

Carl was about to speak, ready to assure her that he was good at getting people to go places, and not making a big scene out of it. And then what he felt was potentially the worst possible thing that could happen came to pass. He knew the voice. Great. Not his boss. Or even his boss's boss. But his boss's boss's boss. The boss of bosses in this place. And Carl realized he might want to stop thinking about the word boss. It was starting to run a little bit on repeat it felt. He let out a sigh, and opted to take the quiet route for now. He was more than a little adrift here, running on little to no information. Carl had known that the place was owened by the Eagles, and that most of the people that worked here were a member of the group, but thus far he'd opted out of that. He wasn't really looking to rise in position here. He was in it to pay the bills. And he'd never been much of a joiner. It didn't really matter that he could probably get a lot done by joining them, maybe get some resources at his disposal to get things cleared up, get himself liscenced to fight again, get that back on track. But he'd fought for a lot of years before they shut him down. Tending bar like this was supposed to be a kind of retirement for him. And he was enjoying it on some level if he was being honest. No more wounds, a lot less aches and pains caused by the beatings that he had weathered. His hands were still in the shape they were because he hadn't stopped his training, still kept himself in fighting fit condition. But that was out of habit these days. When Melanie crouched, Carl had the moment of feeling mildly silly for the way three people were now crouched outside the loading dock of the place. It would look mightily strange to a passerby. Frankly, it was odd to him too. But Melanie seemed more concerned about why Jaime had done what she did, rather than teh fact she'd dropped the bottle, or needed to leave her post. Her post. Which was in the hands of a bouncer. Carl wondered if he was going to be hitting the job search tomorrow out of neccesity. He kept quiet, wishing he was a smaller person for once so he could sneak away from all of this. But someone his size didn't just wander off, or leave unnoticed. Jaime said a name. Just a single name. But it seemed to register with Melanie. But at this point, he was going to have to speak up. Um. I'm sorry, but the new guy? He is lost. ANd...if you like, I can fuck off, and make sure the bar is still in good shape if you'd like me to leave. He offerd quietly. He didn't want to insult anyone, but he also didn't want to overstay his welcome now that someone seemingly much more qualified had shown up.
Thread: Ghost of Demon Past (Soul &+&+ Alvis)

Desmond. Melanie repeated Jai's admission in a tone that sounded confused and yet questioning. Her attention shifted to Carl, however, as he'd managed to speak up before Jai had really seemed to even attempt to try to respond. Raising a brow slightly, Mel offered Carl a slight smile and shook her head, raising one palm in her lap neutrally. I took a peak to see what the commotion was about before I came out here, she explained calmly. All was fine there so it's the least of my concerns. But it seems that all is not fine out here, and since the two of you are here, then surely someone can fill me in a little? Jai sighed then, shaking her head slowly as she shifted in her stance, her gaze diverting from Mel's. When Pratt clocked out, he said there a new customer on his side of the bar and asked me to take it until his filler- Carl- could come up from the pit. I approached, made my introduction, and then he... She paused, hesitating uncomfortably. Mel perched forward a little. He what? He looked at me. Made eye contact, placed his order.... I had a feeling from the second I saw him that something was off he didn't look like he even... Jaime. Melanie heaved a sigh, trying to keep some level of empathy in her expression. Honey it's been years. I understand that seeing someone that reminds you of him can be a bit unnerving, but Desmond Croft is long in the past and he's going to stay there, alright? Jai was shaking her head, denial evident in every ounce of her composure. I'm telling you Mel, it was him. It was him I know it. I know his voice anywhere... He's here. Mel looked unconvinced, her gaze reflecting concern and disbelief as she gazed at Jaime for a moment longer before she pushed off her knees and rose to her feet. Well come on then, show me. She said simply, expectantly. Walk and talk- what's your side of the story, Carl? She added as she stepped around them to hold the door open.
Thread: Ghost of Demon Past (Soul &+&+ Alvis)

Carl listened. Okay, so apparently this Desmond was bad news. SOmeone from Jaime's past, and not a good part of it from the sounds of it. It was probably tied to the limited rumours about bad shit in her past. But that didn't fill him in anymore than than he had been previously. And that...was okay honestly. He didn't know Jaime that well, and didn't want to dig into her past without a damned good reason. That would be invasive and irritating. Two things he'd punched people for in the past. And while Jamie might not be too big of a person, she had a mean left hook if the stories were to be believed. People were tanding up, so he followed suit, restoring himself to his normal towering stance. They were going back inside it seemed, adn that was...good? Carl was a bit jolted when he was tossed into the spotlight, called on the carpet as it was. And frankly, he wasn't sure how to answer. He had the voice in the back of his mind, telling him exactly what he should be saying. When in doubt, just tell the truth Carl . The voice that always prodded him like that was always the same one, and it was always his grandmother. Strong morals on that woman, adn she'd tried hard to get Carl to see the world int he same light. She'd half succeeded. He'd stayed something of a good man, but he'd skipped the part of her teaching that said violence was not a good solution. It had been a fine solution for him time and time again. Well ma'am. I'm...really just a bystander. Came on a co-worker looking like she was in distress, and figured I should try and run a little damage control for her. Be a good...co-worker? He started, not at all sure how he should be telling this. Aside from honestly. And how did he address the top boss? There...was a guy at teh bar. Looked...kinda creepy. Skeevy really. Was staring at Jaime. But after that I got her out of there, adn out here. He explained. It wasn't longwinded, but it told what needed to be said. The way a conversation should be.
Thread: Ghost of Demon Past (Soul &+&+ Alvis)

Mel nearly cringed when he addressed her as 'ma'am', giving a shake of her head and a roll of her eyes as she tilted her head back to look up at him. Ma'am is my mother, she stated plainly. Please, just call me Mel okay? Or Melanie- but I really prefer Mel. She paused a moment, turning a corner slowly. Anyway, sounds to me like you did the best thing possible, so definitely thank you for that. We don't get many people who look a bit... under-par, but they do slip in once in a while- and Jai's a looker, hell even I can't deny that. But, we'll just have to see. Now then, she paused as they finally made their way around the bar, her eyes darting across the customers seated there before she settled her attention back on Jaime. Which one is he? Jai's eyes had settled on the empty seat at the corner, her heart having dropped so low into her stomach that she was certain it wasn't even beating anymore. Gone? Gone. How could he be gone? No, no no no, that wasn't right. That didn't add up. He couldn't be gone- he just couldn't be. She blinked, once, swallowing hard, but the seat was still empty, and there was no sign at all that anyone was planning on returning to it either. He... Her throat was closing all over again and words were once again a thing that she couldn't remember how to form. If he was gone, then there was no telling where he was now, what he knew, what he didn't, or even when he planned on returning. Planning for bad things to happen was always a beneficial thing to help damage control, sure, but in order to do that it was necessary to know what exactly to be planning for. Now? Now there was no way to make heads or tails, no way to plan, no way to be on the best defensive side. It would have made sense that he had turned up, that he was back for her to finally finish what he'd started. But this? This didn't make sense at all, and that was what scared her the most. I... he... gone...
Thread: Ghost of Demon Past (Soul &+&+ Alvis)

Carl smiled as Mel corrected him. He knew he should just take it at face value, but a part of him just had to make a comment. Ma'am has been my boss for a while. I'll try to remember the right term this time around. He said dryly. He waved off her thanks. Just doin' my job. Or at least doin' what anyone worth a shit should be doin' for a co-worker. Carl didn't comment on the fact that Jaime was alooker. He wasn't blind, castrate, or dead, so it was pretty damned clear to him that Mel was spot on with that declaration. But he highly doubted that Jaime was really looking for a compliment from her co-worker in the midst of her emotional trauma. The return to the main room had Carl tracking his eyes along the bar. Sure enough there was an empty spot where the offending man had been sitting. That was...good? Wasn't it? He was gone after all. Though it did leave Jaime without concrete proof that he'd been there. Unless...Carl advanced on the current tender. Hey. Thanks for covering. Guy in the corner, he cash out? He asked. The other man nodded. Yeah. Paid in cash, good tipper too. Carl cursed. He'd been hoping for a credit card. That would have put a name to him for sure. He moved back over to Mel and Jaime. Mel...I know this doesn't look great. I hope you're able to believe us on this. I mean, I don't think Jaime would have...moment like this if it was a false alarm. He said as calmly as he could. Oh, this could go badly, depending on what kind of boss Mel was. He hoped she favoured the more calm, logical one, adn not the annoyed one.
Thread: Ghost of Demon Past (Soul &+&+ Alvis)

With a heavy sigh, Mel nodded her head gently in response to the two, pursing her lips as she did so. It isn't that I don't believe you, it's just... It's been years and the guy hasn't turned a single hair up anywhere on anyone's radar. Not with the Eagles or any affiliates or even the police. She paused a moment, looking back at Jaime. Jai honey I just honestly think you're being a little over paranoid right now. I know that we're coming up here pretty soon on the anniversary of it all. I mean, you definitely do look exhausted as hell, and I know late nights here probably doesn't help much either. Look, how about you take the rest of the night off and the next few days too, paid of course. Get yourself some rest and relaxation, catch a movie, go for a walk, just, get yourself out of that lonely apartment, relax, and live a little. Ok Jai? For a long moment, Jaime was silent, her attention still locked onto the empty seat at the bar, all sense of remote life having left her eyes. It wasn't until she realized that Mel had been seeking a confirmation from her that she shifted her attention instead to look up at Carl, her lower lip quivering slightly as she hesitated. I live about ten minutes away by car, and I really am not up for walking or calling a cab tonight... I'll pay you for the gas and double Mel's rate for a ride if you're willing? Mel blinked at that, surprised that Jai was actually willing to ask someone she hardly knew for a ride home. Sure, he was definitely more trustworthy than any skeezy cab driver, but still. That was something she never did. It wasn't a Jai move. A slight smile turned up at the corner of her mouth though, and she glanced back at Carl with a tilt of her head. The ball is in your court on that one buddy. I won't say no.
Thread: Ghost of Demon Past (Soul &+&+ Alvis)

Carl sighed as Mel spoke. Frankly, it was a better answer than he'd hoped. Paid days off. It was a good way to keep herself stable, away from triggers. It was a good move. He nodded to himself, and then had to do a double take when Jaime asked him for a ride. Him? The guy she'd met for all of 20 minutes? Well that was unexpected. He half turned his head to look at Mel. Surely she was going to tell him to get his ass back behind the bar, and get to work? Nope, no help in that corner. Just a sense of smug amusement. Well damn it. What was he going to do, say no? Turn her down and let her freak out through a cab ride, or work herself into a panic on the walk? Yeah, that sounded like a good plan! Backed into a corner. Damn it. He sighed, but nodded. Sure, no problem Jaime. C'mon, let's get you home, okay? He said with a smile. He turned to look at Mel. So I assume I'm off for the night then? He said with a faint smile. Gods, he hoped he wasn't going to get his hours docked. He was not exactly flush with money, and the payroll would be good. But here was a task that needed doing. He led Jaime out of the building, and down the street, half a block until they came to his car. Oold, beaten, and big as a boat. The old Diplomat was a true land yacht, but he needed a car with some size just to carry him. He unlocked the passenger door, adn then moved around to his own. Hop in. Point me where I'm taking you. He said lightly. And this was going to be a simple day at work. He started the car, and put it in gear.
Thread: Ghost of Demon Past (Soul &+&+ Alvis)

Carl had to admit that he was getting a very great deal more of a history here than he wxpected. But then, maybe he should be altering those expectations. After all, Jaime had been...well, traumatized seemed too harsh a word, but it was also accurate the more he thought about it. And he had been the one who was...on hand to help her deal with the fallout. And now here he was, with a woman who was ni a rather vulnerable state of mind, in her apartment. A lesser man might be tempted. Well, not tempted, for Carl was only human and the thought of taking advantage of the situation was certainly there on his mind. But that lesser man might be taking steps, adn making plans to act on it. Jaime had always seemed a good person, good to work with, and ready with a smile more often than not. She was in excellent shape, and it made her very easy on the eyes. But anything that happened between them tonight would have a slightly off kilter feel to it. Carl shook his head. He was exploring the possibility more than he shoud. When she started talking about what had transpired before, he felt his gut lock up a little, like there was a stone expanding within it. Killed her father, went after her. The most pervasive question that came to Carl's mind was why ? What did this guy have to gain by doing this? And why single Jaime out so much? So many questions, and he knew for a fact that Jaime wouldn't know these answers. If she had, there was a high likely-hood that she'd have been able to get the cops down on him, since she'd be better able to explain him. He took a drink. Bitingly cold, the water was enough to partly numb his throat. Better than he'd expected. What did someone say to an explanation like that? What could he say that didn't make him sound like an idiot or jerk? Well, he could start with some honest observations. Well, if he is back for what you're afraid of...he's already made a huge mistake. He let you see him. Now you know he's there, that he might try something. And since you know it, the rest of us that have your back know it too. And if Mel knows, you can bet the rest of the satff will know to keep an eye out for this guy. He shows his face again, I think me and the bouncers will take turns beatin' this guy down until he doesn't bother you or anyone else ever again. He realized as he spoke that he had just essentially offered to murder someone for her. Granted, it sounded like the guy had it coming, and was in desperate need of a good being killed, but still! He'd just really met Jaime tonight! He hoped that she took the statement in the spirit it had been meant for.
Thread: Ghost of Demon Past (Soul &+&+ Alvis)

After that night, Jaime had found a new sense of respect and trust for Carl, something that even she herself didn't fully understand. In a span of just a few weeks, she had grown close enough with him to be sharing a bed each night after work, and feel safe as she slept, and even give him the spare key she had to her apartment. Most nights she'd slept fine, though on some occasions she woke with a start, trembling and crying out of fear from a nightmare that would feel all too real. Thankfully though, those nights she wasn't alone anymore she had Carl, and the way he was able to cradle her so snugly in his arms, assure her, comfort her, it was all she had ever needed without realizing that she had wanted it. At the present moment, it was early on a Saturday night, and she and Carl were in the pit of the club, waiting for the hour to turn so that they could clock in to begin their bar shift together. In the meantime, their attention was focused on the competitors for the night as they were training, and one in particular kept eyeing Carl up. It was making her nervous, to a degree, and most certainly uncomfortable, but she wasn't about to say or do anything. It was Gold Wing, after all, and even Desmond hadn't shown back up since that night she first saw him. Nothing was going to get them, not there, not with Carl at her side. She found herself looking up at him at that thought, her eyes scanning his stony expression, and subconsciously she wrapped her arms around one of his, holding him comfortably as she pressed herself into his side. It seemed that just as protective as he felt over her, she felt a very similar way, no matter how silly and unnecessary it seemed. Carl? Her voice was soft, meager, a quiet and gentle nudge for his attention to return to her.