Thread: Big Bad, Little Red, and the Hunters. (Fates.Gamble and Gunner)

A year passed, maybe ten, as Catty waited for Aeric's answer. She couldn't manage to fully look up at him as she waited for his response about the fair. Maybe she shouldn't have left it so open ended? No, that made it easier on both of them. Her heart was beating heavily but steadily in her throat, blood pounding through her ears. He'd love to go. Her heart stopped. Catty felt like she was going to fall over. He'd love to go. As he mentioned the lack of phone was when Jess decided to text. Catty sent back something unintelligible with a couple smiling emojis. Though before anything concrete could be planned Aeric offered for them to head back in and dance some more. Catty was both thrilled and deflated. Part of her wanted to nail down the idea of the craft fair first. At the same time she wasn't about to object to dancing with him some more. Naked dancing would be nice. No! What the hell was wrong with her. Yeah, sure, she said with a toothy grin and followed him back in. Jess seemed relieved when she sighted the pair, Catty's mane of fire easy enough to spot in a crowd even if it was below most peoples' shoulders. What was up with the text? She asked Catty as she eyed Aeric like he might be to blame and needed a good punch. Sorry...just...I'll tell you later, kay? She said with an awkward laugh, rubbing her neck. The subject was dropped as the whole group went to the floor to dance. Catty appreciated that Aeric did his best to include her friends though she couldn't lie she was just a bit jealous as he danced with the others, even if it had every appearance of just being for fun. Maybe it was and she just needed to relax. The way he dance with them looked far different than it felt when she had danced with him. Especially when Ally got her turn. Catty caught Jess's eye and both girls gave pained grins to one another. They loved Ally but she certainly had some things she had to work through and acting like this wasn't the way. Catty blinked at Aeric's whispered offer in her ear. Honestly, no. She had no need to make one of her friends jealous. Even still she wasn't about to shoot Aeric down to dance. Duh. That would be the opposite of what she wanted. All she did was grin at him some and fall into rythm. Somehow, either after more alcohol or their chat, there seemed to be a little more between them. Catty could honestly say she liked Aeric somewhat. As much as she could like someone she had known for an hour. He was impassioned when she had mentioned her wounded dog. At least she knew he was an animal lover. People who loved animals were, in general, good people. Catty's eyes had a little bit more of a shine to them as she looked up at him. Though the dewy sheen to her blue eyes didn't change the tingling warmth in her lower stomach. She couldn't say she was much for one night stands but for Aeric she could make an exception. He made good on his offer though, switching up and moving behind her once again. Catty's knees nearly buckled as he coaxed her backwards more. Her back collided with him, she could feel every lean, hard muscle pressing against her. Instantly her face was on fire and the fine hairs on her arms raised. His hands left hot trails as he traced them from her hips to her exposed stomach. She shivered as their warmth splayed against her navel, feeling the rough strength of them. Catty wasn't religious but thank God for making a man like Aeric and letting her near him. She turned her head a little as she felt a tickle on the side of her neck. He completely enveloped her body as their hips moved and swayed together, going so far as to lean over her shoulder. She lifted and turned her head just a little more. Just a hairs breadth far, she could feel his breath fall across her lips. She couldn't tell if her heart stopped or beat so quickly she couldn't feel it. Time held still as he held her every fiber in sway. Then ice, buckets of it as he pulled back. Christ above what a tease. Catty really felt like feinting now. Another offer of drinks, none of the women were inclined to say no. Ally suddenly seemed withdrawn from the group, almost sulking. Catty was still reeling from the one dance. The extra shot not helping the strange yet joyous floating sensation. Aeric found a tucked away booth to sit at, taking a seat close to Catty. She groaned a little, feeling the blood painfully rush to her feet as they sat down. His comment made her stick her tongue out at him playfully. Yeah yeah....I meant to bring them...just forgot... she said as she unlaced her heels. Feet were washable and they couldn't take being in the heels anymore. Catt sat close, but not quite touching as Aeric draped, his arm behind her on the chair back. The second round of chatting was nice, she was pleased that he wasn't just interested in dancing and grinding. Maybe there was a small hope of seeing him at another time after all. That hope glowed brighter as he brought up the fair and his lack of phone once more. Maybe this was crazy but she did want to see him again. Get to know the man a little more beyond how incredibly sexy he was, a great dancer and, most importantly, an animal lover. Sure...uh.... At a loss for pen and paper Catty grabbed a napkin and, in large almost childish numbers, scrawled her phone number in lipstick, laughing quietly to herself. It was silly and ridiculous but it worked, right? She folded it carefully so the numbers wouldn't smudged and handed it over, still snickering. Though the laughter vanished as he spoke of his wish to see her again. The way his eyes traveled her face, the low tone of his voice. She was caught again, frozen and she body shivered some as his gaze settled on her lips. Her breath stilled as he leaned forward. Then the world shattered as his lips pressed to hers. Catty managed a small return just before he pulled away. The world spun and not just from the alcohol. With a goodbye like that you better see me again... she muttered, the words out before she could even consider being shy about them. With a final farewell and a request for a greeting to her dog he was gone. The second he was out of sight the gossip commenced. Catty was in a haze for the first round of excited giggling. After a few moments, and another round of shots, she snapped back. That was...real right... Catty finally asked, more shrill giggling. Yes...yes it was. Oh boy was that real, Jess said wistfully. Think he has a brother? Catty laughed but came up short. A death in the family. Maybe that was bad taste. He won't call, Ally said curtly. The table fell quiet. She glanced around and folded her arms with a little huff. Catty, you couldn't even hold onto scrawny, pizza delivery guy... Jess was swift to cut in. Ally...don't be a bitch... Contention was rife at the table. Catty didn't entirely disagree with Ally but even her shitty comments couldn't quell the elation in her chest. Well it might be fun to try. Tensions eased as the group got one more round of shots and returned to the dance floor. Their shoes in the middle of their little circle. At some point Ally met up with a guy and said she was leaving. With the guy. With promises of safety texts she was gone. With the group down to three they decided to leave and grab some food at the food trucks that tended to stalk around clubs and bars in the wee hours of the morning. It was nearly two when they settled in for some street tacos. So...think you'll see him again? Jess asked. Catty paused with a mouthful of taco and chewed thoughtfully. Well...I hope so, she said after a little while. So it was real? She asked again. Jess laughed and shoved her shoulder. For the millionth time, yes! Real as that taco your scarfing down! Catty laughed, probably better tasting too. Squeals of laughter ensued. Finally, close to three, the women separated. Jess demanded safety texts, especially from Catty who insisted on walking home. Wether stupid or brave Catty walked herself home, still a bit drunk and wistful. Her mind focused on nothing but a strong, taut body and bright, emerald eyes. She passed only a handful of people on the street, a couple of which waved pleasantly. It was the guys who's dog she had fixed up. Hey Dori, hey Max, she said with a grin and greetings in return. Catty made it to her apartment without any incident. Never noticing how a few of the people on the street watched her and around her for any signs of trouble. Nor the couple of sleek, black cars parked a block away. She unlocked her door and tiptoed into her apartment. Can't wake mom, she'd be pissed if she found out Catty had been out all night. Wait...she didn't live with her mom. With a giggle and a wistful sigh she closed her door a little louder than she meant to and leaned on it for a while. Her face was red as she thought of her evening. More so the beginning. Don't let it be a dream... she muttered to herself as she locked up and wandered into her bedroom. There she saw Adelphos on her bad. For a moment she paused an stared but eventually smiled and shook her head. Guess he wanted to upgrade, she said with a laugh. Uncaring she was quick to drop her shoes and haphazardly remove her clothes. Putting on pajamas was far too much effort. At least she remembered to go wash her face before bed. Very important. And brush her teeth. Hygiene was good. With an ungraceful flop she rolled into bed, balling herself up into a cocoon with the down blanket and tucked against Bahamut. She really needed to settle on a name for him. Not the best time to consider. Cuddled away in her bed she let her mind drift around to Aeric again, giggling quietly to herself into her pillow. Suddenly she felt like a stupid teenager with a new crush. Which she pretty much was, minus being a teenager. Finally she managed to stop day dreaming about Aeric and fell asleep with a silly grin plastered on her face.