You Pay to Stay

Dan (to Sophie)

"You tell me Dan..... What size do you think I am.?"

Dan turned just slightly away from her; he didn't know how noticeable the growth in his slacks was; he stepped further into the Sweat Shop, putting most of his front side out of her view.

"I, um ... I'll ... " He drew a deep breath, exhaled. "I'll just bring down what I can find ... okay?"

"Oh and while you are thinking about that, do you think we could have a bigger room for the sweat-shops. I mean this is great, but there are still some things I am wondering if might be hidden away somewhere. Like a punching bag....and maybe a water fountain of sorts, like those water jugs ya know. Something so people don't dehydrate when the work up...a...very..long..over..due.......sweat."

He considered the question for a moment. Sally had commented a few days earlier that the the gym was being visited by more people all the time. With all the noise and -- he sensed it now -- the smell, the heart of Broadway was not an appropriate place for the Sweat Shop

The only option at this point would be the lobby, which Dan didn't like. Too many variables; the tenants would be right near the exits, and while the entire building was very secure, rats have a way of finding ways out of their cages.

The floors above this one, the 3rd, were not ready for the others; Dan's treasure was up there, the source of his control. The 9th through 12th floors weren't filled with individual storage lockers, but instead were open flooring with sections separated by floor to ceiling chain link fencing. (They were typically used for commercial storage -- over stock, inventory clear out, renovation clearance; the "laughing sun" man had leased most of the top three floors to hide away his stash, otherwise the SecureStore wouldn't have been the treasure chest that Dan presently had.)

Dan could probably clear out what he wanted to hide from the 11th, move it all to the other floors.

"Sure," he finally said. "I ... will figure something out, okay?"

He didn't receive an answer. He turned: Jane was no longer there -- but Sophie was, an eyebrow raised as she asked, "Talking to your self?"

"No," he said simply.

"We need to talk."

"Of course. Sorry ... about yesterday. I--"

"What happened to your head?"

Dan reached a hand up to the bandage on the back of his head, a remnant from the hydroponics crash the day before. "Oh. Nothing."

He neared her slowly, contemplating. "So, he asked. Here ... or ... we can go to the roof ... get some fresh air."

Deleted

Deleted

Jane(ooc based)

I definitely like evening them out by the third option which is your favorite.

...../

Maria (OCC)

hells_fury said:

I definitely like evening them out by the third option which is your favorite.

Click to expand...

I definitely agree with this! I trust completely you'll be able to even it out perfectly. The Profile page sounds like a great idea, also.

BTW...after much nervous back and forth, I was very excited to make my first post ever and my first creative- type writing in a very long time!! Hopefully I'll keep getting better. lol

Be bold. Be bold.

Dan stepped closer to Sophie and ventured, "So, here ... or ... we can go to the roof ... get some fresh air."

Sophie eyed him for a moment.

Dan's first thought, of course, was that Sally had "warned off" Sophie, likely told her to find an empty "5x8" for their little talk, or possibly even told Sophie to bring Dan down to her own "apartment" since it was much larger and would feel ... less restricting.

Dan had insisted that Sally take the "10x20" nearest the stairwell -- the one opposite Broadway from the "5x8" that Dale was supposed to have moved out of, yet still was residing in.

Dan had wanted this for several reasons: first, it was isolated from the others -- the closest occupied unit was four down and across Broadway -- giving Sally some privacy for "counseling" her people.

Second, Dan knew that as the their "leader" -- Dan might "own" the SecureStore, but he suspected that Sally was the one who would be someday "running" it -- Sally would need extra space for "community" things.

Third, Dan wanted someone he knew he could trust nearest the stairwell. He was getting to know people, and beginning -- slowly but surely -- to make some connections, but Sally still remained the only one among the 25 that he trusted with his life.

And fourth ... he'd equipped that particular "10x20" with not one, not two, but three hidden cameras. He'd done this for the same two reasons he'd installed them in 13 other "residential" units: security ... and because -- if he wasn't fucking Sally, which he doubted he ever would be again after how they'd split up years before -- he wanted to know who was fucking her ... and whether she was enjoying it.

Dan stood here now, offering Sophie two options -- talk here in the Sweat Shop, where others might hear, or go to the roof with him, where, good news, they would be alone but, bad news, well, they'd be alone. But he knew she would take the third, un-offered choice, Sally's unit.

She surprised him with, "The roof will be fine."

"Let's go," he said quickly, fearing she might suddenly get her head on straight. He slipped through the Sweat Shop's entrance, ever so slightly brushing against her still-unbridled breast, and grimaced as he continued on, hoping she hadn't thought it was a form of "copping a feel", which honestly it hadn't been.

He led her to the stairwell, glancing toward Sally's unit but not seeing her there. As he did his "security thing", he also took an inconspicuous glance toward Dale's apartment, but also didn't find him home either. That made him wonder for a moment.

He gestured Sophie through, secured the door again, and headed her upwards.

Dan had put a great deal of thought into how to properly bring the others up to the higher floors of the SecureStore. He had to be concerned with not just safety and security, but also in not letting the others see too much of what was really stored above their heads.

Dan lead Sophie to the 4th floor stairwell door, again went through his security routine, passed them both through, secured the door, and then walked her a few yards down the aisle to their next mode of transportation.

Sophie glanced at the handwritten message on the wall near the elevator. "Ella?"

Dan slid the gate open. "Ella. Ella-vator?"

Sophie cocked her head at him.

"Hey," he countered defensively, jabbing a finger at the sign. "I can honestly say that was here before I ever started working here."

They stepped into "Ella", Dan pressed a button, and the old rickety lift began it's slow ascent.

After a long moment, Dan peaked over at Sophie, who -- seeing him -- looked to him as well. Dan smiled nervously. "Guess what the bigger elevator is called."

"Bertha?" Sophie laughed.

Dan's face went flat. He turned away.

Sophie laughed again. "No way." When Dan didn't respond -- she was only tryng to be funny, after all -- she asked, "Why are you mad?"

After a moment, Dan couldn't suppress the smile that had been building. "Cuz ... I did name her."

They both laughed.

Dan was relieved to have a bit of humor between the two of them. But it was short lived; he glanced Sophie's direction again, and her expression had returned to its original state.

Dan didn't know what it meant though; he didn't know her well enough to know whether it was her angry face, or her apathy face or her I want to rip your clothes off and I'm looking for a good place to do it face. Yeah, he thought; that's probably it.

At the 12th floor, Ella came to a stop. Dan slid the gate open and lead Sophie away toward a stairwell ... or, at least he thought he did.

At the stairwell, he turned and found Sophie still back at the elevator, staring into the "treasure chest".

The 12th Floor had been leased entirely by the "laughing sun" man. Over nearly a year, as the bankruptcy of his company loomed, he'd had truck load after truck load -- of everything from televisions to laundry soap to alarm systems to canned potatoes to the very clothes that Sophie was wearing now -- delivered her, off the books, and out of the banks eyes. His intent had been simple: use Amazon.com, eBay, and other online retail sites to sell and ship the goods ... and pocket the profits for himself.

Dan and his boss had done a full inventory and knew where every single item was because Christmas was coming, and the "Sun" man had told them he would give them a cut of everything that sold during the holiday season.

Of course, the Bug "arrived" on Black Friday ... and now, it all belonged to Dan.

"Shall we?" Dan asked, casually trying to draw her away before she started asking questions. Dan had covered just about everything of value to the people downstairs with tarps, blankets, anything that would conceal the descriptions on the boxes.

He was a bit surprised when Sophie joined him at the stairwell without saying a word.

They climbed to the roof access and, after yet more security, exited out into the bright early morning sun.

"Let's go sit in the gazebo," he suggested, then added, "Yes. I named that one, too." They walked between the 8 foot high screens that concealed them from the City's view to the shaded area below the fire suppression water tank, also wrapped in nursery netting.

Dan looked out across the City for a long moment. Sophie, behind him -- presumably studying the City as well -- said nothing.

Dan, unable to stand the suspense, asked, "So ... what's up...?"

And he turned back to her...

deleted

deleted

Dale

He'd noted the request to move - and filed it somewhere safe - but as the days passed Dale watched and waited until the time was to his advantage. One thing he had to do was ensure that the room he picked to settle in was camera free, no point being watched if you didn't have to and he was still unsure about Dan and his motives.

The room he selected was again apart from the others, but close enough to be aware of the political games being played. So far he had only spoken to Sally - apart from the odd 'hello' to others,and he had enjoyed the tension in her for the time he delayed his move.

He showered often - the cleanliness was a good reminder that this prison was not usual and he ate at oddhours to avoid the others. He'd noticed Sophie - she looked at him occasionally but seemed to be more interested in the muscled kid - all muscle no technique. The only other 'inmate' he'd noticed was Jane - and she was hard to fathom.

Dale had taken to watching Dan whenever he could - trying to find a level and see what he could learn,but nothing so far. He also took to looking into the cameras, well if they were watching they should know he knew.

Jane

Jane had chose to simply walk away. He would get the point. She had not care if he liked it or not, but he'd get the point. Dan was just easy to fuck with, and she had to find enjoyment somewhere. Making her way to the showers she grabbed another white tank top and a pair of jeans along with her new found tennis shoes.

Along with the tooth brush and the one hair tie that she had. Getting to 'Heaven' She smiled seeing no one there. Stripping down she stepped under the water. It felt so good. She kept it at a cooler temperature to help after her work out. Running her fingers through her hair she relaxed. Placing her hands against the wall she dropped her head and allowed the water to run down her back.

The water beating down on her body helped to relax her more. Taking a deep breath she knew she should hurry. Grabbing the soap she scrubbed down, following that by brushing her teeth. Turning off the shower she stepped out and put her clean clothes on. Pulling on her shoes she picked up the dirty clothes and headed to her 'room'. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Dale, he caused her to be curious. She wondered about the look in his eye, about his quiet demeanor, about the fact that he reminded her of her self. That bothered her the most.

Shaking the thought away she went into her room. Setting her dirty garments to the side she looked around. Her hands on her hips. She hated this, hated having nothing to do. Hated being with people she really and honestly didn't know and doubted if they got to know her would like her very much.

Forgetting about everything around her she pulled the bottom of the tank top up just so it was resting on her rib cage. Looking down at her stomach her fingers traced one of the many scars her body now held. She hated not knowing where it had come from. Running the palm of her hand across her stomach she grinned. That made her happy, the feel of her abs beneath her touch. Of course someone else's would be nice, but she wasn't to into the whole lets fuck thing right now.

Dale

Maybe this new room would suit better,it was situated close enough to the showers for convinience and for studying both the competition and the women. Take the one who just walked out - he saw her watching him - that didn't matter - if he made everyone think he was watchingthey'd worry what he was up to and still had no idea what he was capable of.

He shook his head and went to get some food - it was all tasteless muck - but he'd survived before and would again. But right now - he'd kill for a coffee.....

dale - image

http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-images/Film/Pix/gallery/2004/07/26/arthoiuoeuoiuoiuoiuoiue.jpg


dale

Alex meets Maria

Alex watched as Maria exited her room, rapped on the door of the next one. He couldn't hear the exchange, but he assumed there was an invitation, because a moment later, Maria disappeared into the unit.

He looked about. No one seemed to be paying him any never-you-mind. That was find with him. He knew most of the people by name, yet hadn't talked -- beyond greetings -- to at least half of them, and hadn't talked to hardly any of the females anywhere close to his age, which he'd just learned from Sally was the lowest in the group, even among the "girls".

It took a lot of courage for him to talk to a "girl" ... or a "woman". But, he thought with forlorn, there weren't many -- girls, women, ladies, females -- left in the world, let alone in this place; if he didn't step up and take a risk soon, he was going to be alone and lonely for a long, long time.

He thought he heard laughter moving closer to the unit's door, heard something about chicken or eggs. He drew a deep breath, and strode foreward, his eyes down, practically on his feet.

Maria and Amanda exited the latter's room, hand in hand, giggling.

He peeked up. A chill ran up his back -- crap, that ain't her mom is it? Abort, abort!

But the two women had seen him, nearly collided into him.

He threw his head up ... smiled. He opened his mouth, tried to speak as his eyes darted between the two; nothing came out.

The silence seemed to last a life time, until finally Amanda asked, "Alexander ... right?"

He again tried to speak, failed, then nodded energetically. He felt his face warming, but his naturally dark skin usually hid his frequent blushes; he hoped it was now.

Amanda studied him for a moment, the asked pointedly, "Did you have something you wanted to say?"

The words just wouldn't come out. Again, he nodded.

"To me ...?"

He hesitated, looked quickly to Maria, stared for a moment, then looked back to Amanda and, this time, shook his head.

Amanda studied him a bit more, tilting her head a bit. "Hmmm."

Then, to his relief, Amanda turned to Maria, gave her a meaningful look and gesture -- a firm grip on the girls upper arms and a kindly squeeze, like a mother taking a last look at her child before her on the bus for the first day of school -- and said, "I'll be in Noodles. I hear Dan brought down some coffee. Catch up with me?"

"Yes," was all Maria said.

Amanda gave the "boy" one last sharp look, then passed him and headed for a cup of brew.

He watched her leave -- mostly not to be looking yet at Maria. What made him think he could do this? But, he drew another deep breath, reminded himself that he was running out of chances to meet, befriend, and -- if the gods were willing -- actually "date" a girl, let alone a beautiful girl like Maria.

He turned back to find Maria staring him directly in the eyes. He melted, wanted to just cry. My god, she was angelic.

Maria's lips turned up -- just ever so slightly, nearly imperceptible. She recognized him; he and his friend had been in "Heaven" just an hour earlier, had nearly caught her ... well, caught her.

Was this coincidence, she wondered. Or ...?

He shoved his hand out to her. "Alex. I'm Alex."

MARIA: To continue this conversation, select this link, and post.

http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?p=36510034#post36510034

AS FOR THE REST OF YOU, this is a "private" conversation between Alex and Maria. What does that mean exactly? It means they have sat down to talk, and that the writers will be exchanging replies for minutes, hours, days ... what ever ... until they are done talking.

You are free to start reading, but you'll only get the start of the conversation. When the conversation is ended and the Characters return to the main thread, I (Tony, your host, and the Writer writing "Alex"), will come back, remove all this gibberish, and make an announcement that the "mini-thread" is ready to be read in it's entirety. (I will of course present an appropriate link.)

.....

Dale

he stepped into 'Noodles' Fuck it was full, people sitting watching a coffee pot - hell this may not be worth it. Dale watched Dan mingle, he was being so nice to the women - only one reason for that - Dale smiled to himself. Then Dan was there, right in front of him, Dale stared back then held out his hand 'Dale Green. I need coffee.' Dan looked unsure but shook his hand, Dan went to say something but saw somebody on the other side of the room and it stoped him. 'anything I can do - just ask, but there is a price' Dale whispered - did Dan understand - probably....

Sophie reached the roof access door, grasped the handle, and jerked. It didn't budge. She jerked again; then a third time.

Then ... she just stood there ... staring at the door ... with no intention of turning to face Dan ... no intention of showing the emotion in her face anymore than she already had.

Dan had begun toward the locked door before Sophie had even reached it. He carefully stepped up beside her, hesitated, then -- one by one -- unsecured the three separate locking mechanisms, then stepped back.

A moment of silenced passed. Dan was waiting for her to break the uncomfortable -- no, agonizing -- silence; he was betting she was probably doing the same.

Then, Sophie reached suddenly for he door.

And Dan blurted, "Have dinner with me ... please ... Sophie ... Giada ... Moretti."

Sophie: You can ... run ... or ... stay, and talk to me:

http://forum.literotica.com/showpost.php?p=36510561&postcount=1

.....

Dan and Sophie

Since his lunch with Sally on the roof the day before, Dan had done some "interior design" with the Gazebo.

He'd discovered a wicker yard set, with a squat table and three (still functional) chairs. In another unit, he'd located cushy pillow seats and dropped them into the chairs, then he'd assembled several blankets, shawls, and afghans and stored them next to the Gazebo's entrance in a large "hope" chest, which to his surprise, he'd found filled with hundreds of Playboys and other girly magazines, as well as a couple dozen very raunchy DVDs.

He'd also scrounged up hurricane lamps, candles, a picnic basket with full plastic dining set, frisbees, a football and a large bag with all the gear necessary to play a full game of baseball ... just about anything any one would need to enjoy a nice evening -- or, in this case with Sophie, pre-noon lunch -- out back of their nice suburban home or in the neighbor hood park.

He had found the Gazebo so comfortable that he'd fallen asleep, wrapped in a pair of thick blankets, in one of the chairs the night before. He was pretty happy with himself, with his "creation". That had been the first time he'd forgotten his prior "date" with Sophie. Of course, he hadn't remembered blowing her off totally until he awoke this morning,

Not bad, he thought, looking around at the Gazebo now -- glancing out of the corner of his eye for Sophie's reaction -- considering it was just the underside space below a fire suppression water tank, which now providing the others fresh water.

He wished he could remove the bug netting totally encircling the Gazebo -- as well as flanking the path between it and the roof access door. But the netting, through which the City could still be easily "enjoyed" -- conflagrations aside -- prevented people from the very City from seeing them (easily, anyway) from out there.

He began setting out the "dinner" -- he'd been so nervous "asking out" Sophie that he'd forgotten it wasn't even noon yet -- and waited eagerly to get to know her.

This scene continues at the following link. Please read: it is not only an account of the interaction between Dan and Sophie -- think S in SRP -- but also contains a great deal of information about SecureStore, it's people and future, Dan and Sophie's futures, etc.

I think it's worth reading. Enjoy.

http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=746545

MaryAnne (NPC: available)

Sally entered Noodles and found only a pair of male "diners" and the older "volunteer" chef.

"Do you mind?" she asked, stepping out of the door and making it clear she wanted the 20x20 that served as kitchen and dining room cleared. "I need to talk to MaryAnne.

"Take it with you boys," MaryAnne said, adding with a stern voice, "but bring the dishes back clean this time."

The two hopped up, grabbed their soup bowls and drink glasses and headed for the door. One of them mumbled, smiling, "Yeah, talk to her about this new spaghetti recipe."

"Hey!" she hollered tossing a spoon after them that clanged off a metal brace with an echoing ring. "I don't see you cooking, buster!"

The two laughed as they disappeared, and -- while she'd tried not to -- Sally did as well. She crossed over close to MaryAnne and, in a lowered voice showing she understood a problem existed, asked, "What's wrong?"

MaryAnne looked past her toward the door, then pulled a nearly empty drawer of utensils open.

Sally studied it for a moment, glanced around the makeshift kitchen, and whispered to MaryAnne, "Where are all the steak knives...?"

.....

Securestore Building Description


What follows is the ongoing description of the SecureStore building and it's immediate surroundings and neighborhood. This will be updated periodically (as new descriptions are added by the story's writers).

This is provided for the purpose of consistent story telling between writers, not to limit writers' imaginations. (After all, if you say you're watching the sunset from the 14th floor of a 12 story building ... get the point?)

LOCATION: Portland Oregon; in an otherwise vacant light-industrial zone (that was being cleared for new construction) on the Willamette River waterfront.

SIZE: 12 floors (excluding basement) with a base 200 feet square.

EXTERNAL DESCRIPTION: Gray, peeling paint; no current signage or windows (see "Lobby" below); concrete and cinder block construction.

INTERNAL DESCRIPTION: (by area)

LOBBY: A typical retail business. Large windows (now securely covered, inside and out), counters, customer seating, retail goods "store" ... typical. All entrances have been secured; there is (presumably) no way in from the outside.

BASEMENT: As far as anyone else is aware, the building does not have a basement. (Another one of Dan's little secrets to be soon revealed.)

FIRST FLOOR BACK AREA: Also typical. Offices, employee bathroom/shower/locker room (see "Heaven").

SHIPPING/RECEIVING (S/R): SecureStore served two clientele: individual renters of storage lockers; and commercial retailers/wholesalers with inventory storage needs. Because of this, one side features a S/R area with a dock that (no longer) accessed 2 small freight elevators for individuals moving to and from their lockers; and on another side, a similar dock that (again, no longer) accessed larger freight elevators for commercial workers moving to and from their bulk storage areas.

LOWER LOCKER FLOORS: The 2nd-6th floors feature individually rented storage lockers, varying in size: (in feet) available sizes include "5x8s". "8x8", "10x20s", and "20x20".

UPPER COMMERCIAL FLOORS: The 7th-12 floors are primarily open spaces, separated by re-positionable floor-to ceiling heavy duty chain link fences.

ROOF: Primarily open; HVAC heating and A/C units, vents (normal roof stuff); a "retro" feature was the addition of a round water tank for fire suppression and pressure head for the building's fresh water system (see "Gazebo")

"HEAVEN": Once the "Employees Only" bathroom/shower/locker room, it is now used by all. (SecureStore was a 24/7 business; one employee was always on shift, so the facilities are nice.) Nickname "Heaven" explained.

THE 3rd FLOOR​

OVERVIEW: The residents were restricted to the 3rd floor initially for Dan's security and control needs. It is comprised of dozens of individual month-to-month storage lockers of all sizes. It has two sections: the current "residential" section, and the other virtually identical half, isolated by secured fire doors, which will be (or already has by now been opened.)

BROADWAY: The main aisle of the "residential" section of the 3rd floor.

NOODLES: The kitchen, a "20x20", equipped with just about all the needs of a suburban family.

THE SWEAT SHOP: A 10x20 equipped with a variety of exercise machines and other pieces of work out equipment. Cramped with just about every exercise machine ever advertised on late night cable, Dan has promised to move it to a 20x20; he even has better plans than that, but security remains an issue.

MORE TO COME; OUT OF TIME RIGHT NOW. If you have an architectural or "interior design" idea, and think the needs could come from a storage facility's resources, PM me.

Jane/Sally/MaryAnne (noodles)

Jane was bored. She had nothing to do and all the time to do it in. Shaking her head she looked around her so called room. Becoming disgusted with it. She left walking around where people seemed to be she saw the interactions, she saw the friendships, the clicks, the relationships forming and it made her sick. It made her sick to see people so eager to fuck like animals. They had no way of being protected, and at that what did they want to bring a baby into this hell hole. The idea of it boggled her mind. Sure a good lay would be nice, but really it was not the first and last thing on her mind. She had other things she was trying to figure out.

Walking over to 'Noodles' she realized there was something going on. Walking inside she looked from MaryAnne to Sally. Something was wrong. Walking over to the two women slowly she took a deep breath as her eyes went between the two.

”Whats going on here ladies?”

She asked them as she stood there. Jane was not dumb and she wasn't about to allow someone tell her that it was nothing to worry about or anything like that. Standing there with her arms crossed she looked at Sally, with one of those well looks.

Sally looked to Jane and heard her words. Her eyes darted to MaryAnne. God she was so tired, having become a leader of her people she really didn't know if this was what she wanted her life to be. But she could not think that way now. She had decisions to make. She could choose to bring Jane in or push her out. She was aware of some of the things that Jane was capable of and if Jane trusted her she could show to be valuable. Deciding to allow her some knowledge she looked Jane in the eye.

”Well Jane we have discovered there are some things missing from 'Noodles', now although this is a big deal we do not need to cause an uproar among the people. Yes they have rights to know, but if an uproar happens, if people go into hysteria then we loose everything. Do you understand..... I have to be sure you are not going to say anything about this to anyone.”

Sally's words were soft and even as she spoke to her. Jane nodded to her in an understanding as what had just happened. MaryAnne seemed to stand there, Jane could only guess what was going through her mind. She assumed the things missing were the knives, which could lead to numerous of possibilities. Standing there her eyes turned dark as a haunted and determined look came over Jane's face.

Vivien

Cold water trickled down Vivien's lean body, her slender musician's hands clutching her arms, as she shivered, thus hiding her small breasts from view. Her honey blonde hair and childish bangs were a dark ash color when wet, her big blue eyes with thier long lashes blinked out droplets of water. Her soft, sensuous lips trembled from the chill of the building combined with the frigidity of the water. She could feel her nipples, hard and perky beneath her skin. She cut the water off, and wrapped herself in a towel, sopping wet. Stepping out of the shower, she peered at herself in the mirror. She hadn't seen herself in the months after The Mayhem. Her hair had grown longer, almost touching her breasts- different from the shoulder-length it had been before. Trembling, Vivien dropped the towel revealing her thin, lanky body, with her wide hips and flat stomach, her slender legs with the bush of ash-blonde hair between them. She stroked it absentmindedly- it felt soft to the touch, and beads of water hiding among the curls felt cool on her damp fingers. Her lips parted. She thought back to her days at the Conservatory, where she last took a critical look at her naked form.

Right before her recital, she stood, before the mirror, completely naked; the curves of her body analagous to the curves of the violin she held in her hands...

She opened her eyes; she didn't realize she had been closing them. She didn't like to think about those happy times, before the Mayhem. About the music that had disappeared from her soul. Subconsciously, her hands drifted between her legs, wiping the stray water away from the inside of her pink lips, then parting them, traveling the few inches inside her slit before meeting with a barrier... the door opened, and Vivien jumped, grabbing her towel from the floor and hastily clothing herself. It was Sally. Embarrassed, Vivien's face flushed. Sally smiled gently, sympathizing with the youngest of the group, yet not quite understand her. She was quiet and rarely spoke about her past.

"How are you doing? Adjusting alright?" Sally asked. Vivien nodded, peering at Sally, with a tinge of envy- Vivien wished she could be as womanly as Sally, have breasts and hips and sensuality. She secretly loathed how she was an eighteen year old in a child's body. The silence was long and uncomfortable, a symptom that accompanied Vivien wherever she went. Flustered, she fled the room, leaving a bewildered Sally behind.

Some of the others bid her greeting in the hall, and she passed them without noticing- her sole mission was to make it up the two flights of stairs down the hall from "Heaven", cross through "Main Street" and get to her 5x8. She took the doorway that led off to the side hallway where her room was nestled. Water trailed down her back and hit the floor. The cold concrete on her bare feet sent a shiver down her spine. She felt flustered. How could she forget to bring clothes to change in after her shower?

She threw open the hallway door, and was met with an unexpected surprise.

She ran smack dab into Dan, who peered down from above.

Letting out a small shriek, she shoved past his confused look and disappeared into her room, not even noticing the camera Dan had snuck off to repair just three minutes earlier.

Dan had seen the storm building.

Sally had come to him with a concern, about safety and security for all. He'd heard something about missing kitchen utensils, but had immediately changed the subject because of what he knew about how Sophie employed such things.

Sally wouldn't elaborate beyond that, but then surprised him by asking him with a very non-committal tone, "So ... what do you think of Dale?"

The question threw Dan off. Dale? Just a few days earlier, she'd shot the man a look of ... well, he was about to say disdain, but perhaps that was simply what Dan wanted to think she felt for him.

"He seems pretty ... self-assured," she added.

"Does he?"

Sally didn't respond -- in fact, she didn't even show a bit of emotionally response.

Dan had been fishing.

He'd seen them talking -- chatting, a minute or two at a time, nothing that couldn't be explained as polite conversation. Then, the day Dan had gone up to the roof with Sophie ... and then down to his bed with Sophie -- oh, yeah, he recollected, good time -- he hadn't seen either of them anywhere. He'd walked the entire length of Broadway, had glanced into every open door, had stepped into Noodles to give MaryAnne some spices he'd scrounged, and entered the Sweat Shop, where he'd both gotten an unbelievable eyeful of the erotic Jane -- which he thought would have been the sensual highlight of his day -- and then "hooked up" with the woman who'd rock his world in a way it hadn't been in so so very long.

So ... had they been together somewhere else? Or had they simply not been here? He was being paranoid again.

"Remember our conversation," she continued, "About rules ... and laws and such?"

Dan nodded, still having his fantasy nightmare of Dale and Sally doing the nasty.

"Well ... we have some capable people. A couple of the guys were former military, one's a cop ... or was. Jane ... she has some background."

Dan remembered the Sweat Shop, seeing Jane in there, in her tight fitting, sweat drenched, skin clinging clothes and thought, background, foreground, she's got it all.

"My point is," she continued, her tone telling Dan that she knew he was somewhere else, "That Dale has some ... experience ... with the law. He know something about it. Just ... keep him in mind."

Dan hesitated before giving her a nod of non committal.

And she left returning to her other concerns.

Dan watched her leave, and smiled. Background ...

Dan

(post to be made. I simply needed this page for a link. will write in a bit.)

.....