The Death of a Titan - IC

The Death of a Titan

Dea, to many may sound like a mere name, however it represents a dark, covert order based in the depths of Eastern Europe. Her sole purpose is to kidnap children (anywhere from 1 to 3 years of age) and train them for her own purposes: anything from spying to raping to killing. Her sin knows no bounds… it is in this artificial home that Kantha was reared.

I say reared, because the kids in question served as nothing but tools for the rich, powerhungry, and sadistic persons in charge and thus, easily expendable. They rule with an ion fist, disobedience, treachery, and failure are not tolerated, so these innocent kids are thoroughly brainwashed at one point in time or another. Their training regimen is rigorous. Needless to say, the unfortunate ones who are not able to keep up both physically and mentally are immediately sent to their deaths - liabilities is what they become, nothing else.

Kantha is just about to turn 19 years old, this being her sixteenth mission, they had trusted her with such a delicate and relatively long task. You would think she got paid, or was even allowed some form of contract, just so she could have a normal future to look forward to, but no. She will be used until she either dies from her missions, or dies of old age. Questions are never to be asked; the reason why they needed the Hon. Marcus dead shouldn’t be a matter of concern to her at all, her duty was to kill him and return to the base safely - nothing more…nothing less.

Except this little trip to the Americas would prove more than just a little unusual for someone of her background and expertise. But she had been trained had she not? Right… so she would confront any difficulties whatsoever with skill and devotion.

LGM - - “Life not by god, but by Man” –- Dea’s Motto. It is inscribed atop all letters, seals, and packages by the order, it also serves as recognition should any of her soldiers bump against eachother overseas or during various missions.

Please do not post here until you have contacted me. For questions, suggestions, and character sheets please visit the OOC thread :https://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=517127

"And so with that, the Jacobins plunged France in what would later be called the 'Reign Of Terror'..."

Yeah-yeah, blah-blah. Accusations of counter-revolution, 18000-40000 executions, mostly done by guilotine, carried on and on until Robespierre was stupid enough to go overboard (not to mention making his own religion) and then he got his own head cut off. Cue Directorate and cue the short man taking over France a couple of years later...Crap on a stick, why do I even bother showing up for these classes any more?

Heaving a heavy sigh, Larry leaned forward with his head in both his hands, trying desperately to stay awake in his European History class. He knew the answer: Despite the fact that he was pulling an A-average, his class attendance record was beyong woeful, it was positively diseased. As such, the dean had contacted his dad and of course that had gotten him the Riot Act reading from the old man.

"It's not about your grades, it's about discipline! How can I expect you to carry on our family's legacy if you have none?"

Family legacy? God, he'd been hearing that since he was old enough to remember. He didn't want that, he wanted his own life...But until he managed to find a way to support himself, he was dependant on his dad paying his way for him.

"Am I boring you, Lawrence?" Larry flinched, hearing the professor's dry voice crack the silence with his full name.

"No, sir...Just a headache. Could I go drink some water?"

"Hmmph...Very well, just don't take the whole lesson."

"I won't," Larry grinned, glancing sideways at his friend Jennifer. "Take my bag after-class, will you? Just drop it by my dorm room."

She arched a delicately-sculted brow. "You're sneaking out again?"

"Exactly," Getting up, Larry made his way down the steps of the lecture hall until he reached the door, finally breathing another sigh, this time one of relief, as the doors slammed shut behind him and the lecture began again. "Time to go have some fun..."

***

Ten minutes later, he was strolling down the university grounds and smiling as the sunshine beat down on him - this was definitely an improvement over being cooped up inside.

Poor guy...If he'd known what was about to happen to his life, maybe he would have been better off inside.

Girl you understand consequences if you fail ah? Arrive and report very quickly. It not like others you have been done in past, this is more difficult, you have understand the psychology of the boy ah?

“Of course sir, I know… I realize the risks involved and I will not even dream of failing. I never have before, I will not start doing so now. I shall report as soon as I land, but contact after that...Sir, may be a tad limited”

Yes you do, but not let a week without contact ah?

“Yes Sir… I must go now…”

Very well.

The line went dead, and Kantha flipped her cell phone shut. A soft sigh left her lips, for at least now she did not have to hear the broken English of her new supervisor. She watched absentmindedly as the cab driver sped past the city and headed towards its outskirts. She knew the location of the school – in the middle of nowhere. Though it would make sense, she assumed it was a question of security and control? After all her own home is just as secluded from civilization. Dark sun glasses shielded her sensitive eyes from the scorching sun, by the end of summer she probably will be much darker than she was now.

Slowly, she reached into her bag which was a feminine briefcase really if one looked at it carefully. With a tilt to her head, she pulled out the black envelope with the letters L-G-M engraved into it in silver. A picture was pulled out, it was of a young man… 21 years young to be exact with a rather flattering smile to him. From what she could see, he looked pretty built and certainly tall. Kantha bit her lips as she pulled the picture closer to her gaze, studying it… burning it into her mind’s eyes… but mainly, seeking out his eyes. Their colour wasn’t really showing properly, she guessed she would have to find out when they met en-vivo.

Definitely a handsome man. Well that will make things a bit easier for her, not that she really had choices, but at least, she had preferences. Plus it doesn’t hurt to fantasize every once in a while. The cab came to a halt. Its driver stepped out to get her luggage on the sidewalk of the main entrance. Right from the bat, she was receiving strange looks from passerbys.

“Sir, would you mind helping me with my bags? I’m supposed to be staying in Alven Hall, it is but a few minutes from here.” Cab-driver was frowning…” Of course I will pay you whatever you may charge” then he smiled.

Money talks!… I swear… I can hear it.

Twenty minutes later, Kantha would be found in her new one bedroom apartment. It was spacious enough, privacy was a must for her. The thought of having to share her space drove her bonkers. But anyways… she had no time to waste… Larry had to be found, and found soon. Flipping through her folder once again, she found his schedule…

“Tuesday afternoon….Uhmm… European History? Eeek..how boring…Room A 112”

Picking up a pocket sized map of the school, Kantha set out to find her prey. Of course she checked, and double checked her appearance before venturing to meet the handsome Larry. What she wasn’t expecting though, was that the school’s map had been drawn as soon as it was built, in the 1960’s… and nobody had bothered to update it? She murmured to herself. Then she found it… written in a much smaller font at the very bottom…

Map kept in its original state for history purposes.

“The Hell???”

Stopping off at one of the small food stands, Larry was feeling very pleased with himself as he plopped down on one of the benches, a hamburger in one hand and a can of Coke in the other. Good food, fresh air and sunshine sure as hell beat out another 40 minutes inside that lecture hall. Five minutes later, the burger had been demolished, reduced to the paper it had come in and a few crumbs laying on his blue t-shirt, while the Coke had been drained down to the last drop.

Man, this is perfect. Larry thought to himself, contentedly leaning back and surveying the landscape. Only thing that would make it more perfect would be...

That's when she caught his attention. A dark-haired girl wandering around staring at a map and looking more confused by the second. She had a beautifully toned, curvy body that immediately made his heart race a bit. Watching her, it dawned on him that she was lost, and almost immediately a smile sprang onto his face. A pretty girl who was lost? Why, he would be rude not to go over there and see if he could help her.

Getting to his feet, he walked over, only pausing for a second to make sure any stray crumbs were removed from his shirt and face. A hand instinctively went to his hair, before he remembered God had given him a prairie bush and not hair.

Larry walked up behind just in time to hear her incredulous question. "Yes, yes this place is 'The hell'," He said, smiling as she turned around to face him. He brushed his fringe away from his forehead, his dark blue eyes meeting her amazing emerald green ones. "Sorry, the bitter humour of a guy who's been stuck here for three years. I'm Lawrence, but everyone just calls me Larry. You look lost, can I help you?"

Kantha had been squinting her eyes, trying to find the main library. Perhaps that would be a nice starting point to proclaim her ignorance to all. A pair of knee-high white shorts framed her form alongside a light green v-neck blouse which didn't do much to conceal her cleavage. Striped heels completed her ensemble, and yet she was hot. Hot and lost. Well almost, as she heard the sound of a male voice behind her. It looked like she would be proclaiming much earlier than planned...

"Actually...yes, you can. I'm looking for.."

The sentence was never completed, for she had turned around to stare at the oh so polite rescuer. Except, he was really far from that. She tilted her head and for a split second one could see the beginnings of a frown, but she recovered... rather quicklly. She smiled instead...

"Since this is my first day in here, I don't think that's proper encouragement... but thanks for the opinion. At least when I start to see things your way, I'll know I am not alone in my despair"

Blue - his eyes... they were of a captivating blue colour.

"Erm.. I'm looking for room A112. You wouldn't happen to know where that is would you?"

She spoke with a faint accent whilst her eyes bored into his. Kantha could not believe her luck, the man had fallen in her lap... literally. Here she was thinking she would find him, and get the chance to analyze him from afar. Learn who his friends were, what his personality was, what his women were like... the whole shebang. As she continued to stare at him with that smile of hers, she knew she would have to improvise and pray he fell for the bait. As this, just turned into a two-way game. The theatrics had begun, she was in character now, and she would be for as long as he shared her company.

"Room A112?" Larry glanced upwards at the leaves of the tree, chewing on the inside of his cheek as he recalled where that was. Well, technically he remembered immediately where it was, but he wanted to have a few moments to just admire Kantha's body, especially her toned athletic legs and the swell of her breasts that strained a bit against her blouse.

Finally, he nodded. "Yeah, that's in the Anderson building about ten minutes that-a-way," Larry jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "But...I don't know if I'm the best person to show you there, since the dean probably has people out looking for my blood again. Besides, if you're going for European history, class started just under an hour ago."

Smiling warmly, Larry kept his eyes on hers, unable to get enough of how damn amazing they looked. "If your schedule isn't too busy, would you let me buy you a cup of coffee or something? I could answer any questions you have."

OOC: Well, sleep calls for me - I look forward to continuing tomorrow. Take care.

Meanwhile in the business district downtown...

Meanwhile in the business district downtown, Marcus Derien sat in his penthouse office. He owned the biggest skyscraper in the city and was proud of it. He enjoyed sitting in his oversized leather chair while he stared out over the city. Sitting so far up he felt like he was God, and these insignificant creatures below where his playthings.

He also enjoyed the blowjob he was getting from one of his many sluts. He had a harem of sorts, a group of girls he housed in the building (he trusted no one) and took care of for their “services.” Her warm wet mouth felt good and helped relax the tension of the day. Her tongue expertly slid around his head causing him to suck in deep slow breaths. She was very talented at what she did and before long he could feel his orgasm building.

He grabbed the back of her blond head and drove her down onto his mouth, plunging his fat cock deep into her throat. He smiled as he heard her gag as this only turned him on more. He looked down and saw the mascara blotting as tears began to form in her eyes.

Soon he erupted his load into her and he shoved himself deep into her throat. He liked to feel her neck spasm around his cock, trying to push him out as he shot right down into her. He could hear her chocking and he let go of her head. She pulled off of him, tears streaming down her face. Once she caught her breath though, she immediately bent over and began cleaning him off.

That oral-sex training was money well spent.

He shifted the unlit cigar from one side of his mouth to the other and looked out again at his domain. In the distance he could the old building of the university. He had sent his son there, hopefully to learn some business sense. He had been a horrible father but at least the kid had never known a life of want. He hadn’t grown up poor and fighting in the streets like he had.

Maybe I should call him and see how he’s doing?

As soon as the thought crossed his mind he began to laugh to himself. He had a man on the boy at all times. His son had gotten away with too many fast ones to be trusted now.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell. Punching the boy’s number, it rang…

Before Kantha could give him an answer, Larry's phone belted out the first chorus of Twisted Metal's "Inside Out" Cursing inwardly, he grabbed the phone and when he saw the number his usually easy-going, smiling expression vanished in an instant rictus of distaste. For a split-second, he considered killing the call - after all, he technically was supposed to be in class. Finally, he answered.

"What's the matter, dad?" He asked, taking a step or two away from the girl and hoping she wouldn't realise what a dysfunctional family the guy who asked her out to coffee had. "Did your bloodhound lose track of me again or forget to report in?"

OOC: Okay, now I'm really heading for bed lol

Kantha wasn't blinded to the fact that his eyes were perusing her body, as a matter of fact, hers were too. If you had to stare at a two dimensional, stationary, lifeless picture for over a month, and you finally got a chance to stare at the real thing... in all his three dimensional glory... you would oggle too. But let's not ignore the underlying motive; She had incredible control over her actions and reactions, even though she was so curious and so impressed by Larry, she only stared because she assumed he would welcome her attentions.

Here's the logic, that which she hoped to have understood correctly, lest she stood the chance of not only making a bad impression on her future boyfriend, but she may have also cost herself her very life. So she does no wrong in keeping things in perspective yes? He had been bold enough to approach her, he had neither twitched, blushed in embarassment, nor hidden the fact that he found her physically appealing. It could only mean, that he was rather used to being the aggressive kind.

Fine, with that settled. So what type of girl would impress him the most? The sweet, caring, and somewhat shy or the one who chased him instead? Perhaps, just to be on the safer side, she would find a middle line and balance atop it. The man was all man. And yes, it does sound redundant, but it was the only befitting word she could find for him.

"I'm guessing you were supposed to be in that class?" She chuckled and finally dropped her eyes from him. "I definately wouldn't want your blood on my hands, so for now I will pass on the sight seeing trip"

Carefully, she would slip the useless map in her pocket and smirk. "Yes, actually..." She watched his phone ring and nodded as he distanced himself from her. His sudden change in demeanor didn't pass her either... an ex girlfriend? a current girl friend? boss? hmm... or his dad?. Kantha was wondering whilst patiently waiting.

“Ha ha,” Marcus laughed into the phone, “just as clever as your old man. Can’t a father call his son? I like to know what you’re up to these days, I haven’t heard from you in about a week?

Actually Larry had lost his man, as he was becoming quiet good at it. What Larry didn’t know was the man was mostly there for his son’s protection. Spying on him was the fringe benefit. Marcus had many enemies and a few wouldn’t hesitate in using his son for either revenge or ransom.

“Shouldn’t you be in some sort of class or did that building I donated to the University fall down and they kicked you out?”

A part of Marcus actually wanted the school to throw him out. He wanted his straight and narrow life to fail so he could train him in his own particular brand of business. He wanted his son by his side ruling the world together. It wasn’t decency that made him keep his son away from his shady business dealings, it was fear. He knew that if his son became as strong as him, he would take his business over. That’s what he himself would do if in that position. So he kept him away and on the right path. He gave him money to keep him busy, and sent him to school to learn a legit, safe trade, far away from the seat of his empire…

Larry's lip curled in a small sneer, a miniature version of what his dad would often sport. "No such luck I'm afraid. Building's still standing and as long as I keep up my marks the way I am, the worst they can do about my non-attendance is bitch to you, and I know just how much you love dealing with whiny academics."

His gaze found Kantha's again, and he gave her a quick smile. They might have more than a few DNA pieces in common, but one aspect where he differed dramatically from his old man was that he at least treated women right. He might enjoy flirting and messing around, but he stopped things at a definite point if the girl was just a one-night thing. He didn't sleep around, didn't bang any girl who looked half-willing - going to that point he saved for girls he liked enough to date.

Putting his hand over the mouth-piece, he whispered. "I'm sorry. Believe me, I'd rather be talkingt o you, but it's hard to blow off the guy who's paying my class fees," Larry went back to the conversation. "And the last time I called you, you said you'd manage to scrape together enough time to actually come see me compete in the boxing tournament, you know, the one that's held four times a year and that you've managed to miss each time in the three years I've been here? Consider me going incommunicado a non-verbal 'fuck you'. Now, anything else you'd like to tell me, or can I get back to my life?"

“Watch it boy,” Marcus growled into the phone. Few ever told him “fuck you” and only his own blood could get away with it unscathed. What Marcus did know however, was when to pick his battles, and something told him, this one wasn’t worth fighting just yet.

He kept the boy on too long of a leash. That college life style was beginning to make him arrogant. It may be time to clip the boy’s wings.

“When is your next match? Business is doing well and I can take some time off to watch you get your face smashed in.”

In truth, Marcus felt that the two were drifting too far apart. This was almost as deadly as becoming too close. Who knows who the boy was talking to or hanging out with? The reports he was getting on his son were becoming less and less of late and this concerned him.

"I wouldn't get your hopes up. There's a reason I'm still undefeated," Larry chuckled morbidly as he remembered the next date. "This Saturday. That's two days from now. 8 PM, sports grounds in that other hall you donated - just look for the building with the big bronze nameplate with your name on it. See you then, old man...Oh, and I'm sending you a little present as well."

Larry killed the call, then glanced at Kantha. "Give me a second, will you?" With that said, he went over to a man whose face was being hidden behind a newspaper. He saw the confusion of the man, not too sure what he had to do when the person he was shadowing came right up to him. His paper was pulled down and he had the split-second it took Larry to cock back his right fist to realise that this was anything but good. A moment later, said fist collided with his nose with all the force of a shotgun balst that sent him tumbling over the back of the bench he was sitting on.

"Okay, asshole..." Larry snarled, grabbing the barely-conscious investigator by the hair and lifting his face out the grass for a second. "I sent your predecessor home in a fucking full-body cast, so be thankful you caught me on a good day. Now go back to my dad and say the next time one of you tails me, I'll be sending them back in three boxes, understand?"

Dropping his face back into the grass, Larry took a deep, calming breath and walked back over to the raven-haired girl, smiling sheepishly. "Okay, if you want to run away screaming from the nut-case now, I won't blame you."

I'm sorry. Believe me, I'd rather be talking to you, but it's hard to blow off the guy who's paying my class fees. Larry said to her.

Ahhh... so it is Daddy dearest. The girl smiled sweetly at him, flicking her fingers in a rapid motion as if to say: It's ok, go ahead and talk to him, I completely understand. Her face bore a mas of intrigue, not only that but she had actually welcomed the little break. Here she was after been granted a few minutes of out-of-character time and she was ready to use every last millisecond. The sun was still bright, since she left her sun glasses back in her apartment she distanced herself from Larry even more. Taking the kind of comfort only a tree could provide, she leaned against it and crossed her ankles - watching him carefully.

Obviously, the conversation was far from a pleasant one, at least from Kantha's point of view. She never did have the opportunity to be bothered by a parent, or even any family member, but that's besides the point. Even Larry's posture screamed highly annoyed and... wait... did he just say Fuck You to his own father? Surely she had been on American soil but for a few hours but fuck you has gone international now has it not? It just didn't seem like the kind of thing you told your father.

A normal girl would find it funny that he had, but Kantha frowned. It wouldn't take years in quantum physics to realize the girl was thinking and thinking hard. The big bosses never did mention the relationship the boy shared with Marcus. Honestly, she had assumed it was a jovial one. Surprise Surprise. But what did this mean for her? Well, just one thing. If she did end up becoming Larry's girl, he most likely would steer her away from his father. In fact, he may not even want her to meet the older man at all. This is bad... very bad. So not only will I be his woman, but I must be his psychologist also? Hmm perhaps I can make Larry believe his father is a necessary figure in his life? Or...

Her eyes lit up, and if one was paying enough attention to her one would have seen the small nod she gave herself. Whether it was for an exigency, or merely out of bravado that Larry punched that innocent-looking-totally-minding-his-own-business-guy, Kantha wasn't entirely sure. But the fist did connect, and the poor fella did grunt in pain. She watched on, but it wasn't until he spoke to her again that she realized her thoughts hadn't been of pity for the one who laid sprawled on the grass, no no, she had been admiring Larry's body instead - ridiculously out of line.

So she did the only thing she could think of... blushed.

"I wouldn't really deny that you are a nutcase, but I'm not much of a runner either. Dare I trust your judgement in that he deserved that punch?" Her words came out slow, almost daringly, but it soon returned to the norm again.. "Though now I think you need a drink as much as I do. Why don't you take me some place nice, so I can find out just how much of a nut case you can really be.."

She chuckled at him, though in reality, she was laughing at herself. Lord help her, she didn't exactly know what nut case meant. It hadn't been in her dictionary.

A small smile managed to break through the cloud of anger that had overtaken the young man. Lord knows, only a pretty girl could have the effect of making him put his old man out of his mind this quickly. Her green eyes were glinting with amusement as she teased him about being a nutcase, and her not being a fast runner. So, a beautiful face, killer body and what seemed like a very intriguing personality...How could even the most chast of monks resist, let alone a young man who enjoyed the company of the ladies as much as Larry?

"I have a...slightly over-protective (read: fucking paranoid) dad. He thinks it's the parent's job to put a PI on his kid's tail instead of actually, you know, trying to be a vaguely good parent. And I don't handle being followed too well. So yeah, if you want to trust the judgement of a guy you've known all of ten minutes, he deserved it."

"Though now I think you need a drink as much as I do. Why don't you take me some place nice, so I can find out just how much of a nut case you can really be.."

Nodding, Larry held out his hand, feeling a small spark pass between them as he took it and helped her up. He knew several nice places, but he didn't know whether she wanted to go somewhere public, or...

"Well, unless we're willing to walk into town, the campus coffee shop is pretty much the best place around. But," His eyes met hers, showing the playful shrug his body didn't need to articulate. "My apartment is just across the road from the campus. I don't want you thinking I'm weird or anything, just thought I'd suggest it."

Why did he feel the need to explain himself? Perhaps it was done out of courtesy to her? Kantha was loving the volunteered information, there had been rumours that Marcus may have one of his men on campus to watch over his only son, but again, they had only been rumours. It is arrogance really, the kind that ends up getting some of her siblings dead. The information given to them was always either incomplete or uncertain; leaving them to bump their heads through and hopefully come out of it alive.

But back to the situation at hand...

"Wow, is it ok if I assume then that your father is very important? He must be really worried about your safety if he goes through so much trouble just to make sure you aren't hurt"

Yes, she probably knew much more about his father than he did. At least as far as his business and his other vices were concerned. If Larry chose to lie to her, she would accept it... she would have him think she believed every single word. Her fingers would intertwine with his as she fell in step besides him, her eyes downcast. The campus coffee shop? Kantha shook her head, she wasn't in any particular mood to be amongst too many people. The less that notice her, the better.

"Hmm, well if you do not mind me seeing your place, then I'd rather we stayed in your apartment. But... not for long, I still do have some unpacking and other business to take care of" She replied, meeting his gaze, squeezing on his hand a bit as a smile curled her lips.

You fucking shit head,” Marcus yelled angrily into his phone, “how did you let a fucking kid kick your ass. You’re fired!”

He threw his cell phone across his office and it smashed to pieces on the marble floor. No matter, he could buy a million more. He spun back around in his chair and looked again out his high rise window. The sight always calmed him and helped him focus. He knew if the man he just fired had defended himself against his son, and hit him back, he would probably have had him killed. Not that he honestly cared about his son that much, but it would reflect on him if his son was beaten. The men he worked with respected only strength, and any sign of weakness was like blood in the water.

He leaned forward putting his elbows on his knees. The boy had never hit one of his security people before. He was used to dodging and losing them but never had he dared to assault one. What could cause such a bold reaction?

This thought bothered him. Marcus Derien had a sense for when something was out of place. His instinct had kept him alive all through his childhood and had helped him make his fortune. He could sometimes feel when there was danger or opportunity nearby and it was the greatest assets he had. Now, that instinct was acting up again.

He spun back around and faced his desk. Punching the intercom button he called his secretary.

“Yes Mr. Derien?” An elderly woman’s voice answered.

“Clear my schedule for Saturday,” he instructed. He liked older secretaries. They were smarter than your average bimbos and knew how to keep secrets.

“And make arrangements for me to go the university that night. I want to see my son box and I want it to be…special.”

“Of course, sir.”

His secretary knew all his code words. It was time he clipped the boy wings a little and see what was going on for himself. Marcus had learned over the years that it was better to meet conflict head-on on his terms, then to let it come to you. Putting a little pressure on the boy may reveal if he has been up to anything.

“Also, Mr. H is here to see you as well,” his secretary added.

“About time. Get him in here.”

He leaned back in his chair waiting for the man to be escorted in by security. Mr. H had begun to be a pain in his neck and he had been holding up his business interests in China.

Just another hurdle to jump, he thought…or to knock down.

"Important, yes. Worried? I'd laugh if it wasn't such a pathetic state of affairs. No, my dad only gives a damn as to how I reflect on him. The only reason he gives two shits about me is in case one of his 'business rivals' decides to come after me...And even then I doubt he'd rush to my aid," The tone of his voice said he had at least some vague idea of what his father was up to, but it was through his own choice and need to keep his conscience clean that he didn't pry any further. "Now, enough about my old man. He's the kind of guy that makes me want to go out and kick puppies."

They began walking, and Larry was pleasantly surprised as Kantha's smaller hand slipped into his slightly rough one, lacing her fingers with his and squeezing it softly. Their eyes met and a small smile grew on her beautiful face, bringing a similar one to his.

"No problem. I'll come help you unpack, if you'd like," Larry offered as they crossed the street to his apartment complex, the doorman greeting him on the way in. "It's always my pleasure to help a girl, especially a beautiful one like you."

Fifth floor, apartment 505 was his. He opened the door and bowed, letting her enter first. It looked like your normal bachelor's apartment, albeit slightly bigger and more opulently finished. The living room was mostly taken up by a huge plasma screen television, a Playstation 3 and also an X-Box 360. A comfortable (if slightly beaten) leather couch stood in front of it. The kitchen was small and well-stocked, showing that the owner enjoyed (and at least has some skill in) coooking. A small hall branched off, leading to the bedroom and bathrooom.

Reluctantly, Larry released Kantha's hand as he led her inside the kitchen. "So, what's your favour?"

A man after his own best interests. There is such a thin line between egoism and egotism. Funny, as the two normally got interchanged. As Kantha listened to the characteristics of Marcus, even through his bitter son's eyes, she couldn't help but categorize him as an Egoist. He was selfish, yes, but rightfully so. He protected what was his and did all that was necessary to get what he most wanted. The thought made her lips purse - she had a lot in common with the Honorable.

She laughed a hearty laugh... "You will come help me unpack? Heh, that is a very nice offer. It is so that I have to turn it down." She stared at him from the peripheral "You don't expect me to reveal my deepest secrets to you now do you?" Kantha was sure he didn't even have the smallest of ideas in regards to her so called secrets. Although to her, they were anything but. She had no secrets, instead, there were things that needed be known, and others that were meant to remain in the dark - period.

"As soon as I'm done putting things where they belong, I will invite you over and then you can pry all you want. Yes?"

They had opted for the stairs, and it seemed neither of them broke a sweat. Speaking of which, she had not worked out just yet, hmm she would have to before the day was over - Old habits die hard.

His apartment looked very comfortable; the kind of place where you'd want to go and just flop down into that couch, watch nonsense and the tellie, and just relax. Her home was the exact opposite. She couldn't help but chuckle after noticing his video games. Leaning down, she picked up one of the empy boxes..

So, what's your favour? He called out from the kitchen.

"Any alcoholic drink will do... thank you." She took the time to take in his simple, yet befitting decor. "So... if I was eavesdropping correctly, you have a match coming up soon? and your dad... he will be there?" The girl cringed a bit. Too too forward. "I like boxing" she added softly.

Chuckling at her questions, Larry opened the fridge and looked inside. He didn't consider it prying at all - his life held very few secrets, dark or otherwise. And besides, he liked Kantha already. Finally, he came out with two beers, not knowing if it was particularly lady-like or if she liked them, but it was all he had unless he went and broke out one of those bottles of wine.

Stepping into the living room, he twisted open the bottle and handed it to her. "He probably will be, since me kicking his hired goon's ass will likely make him decide I need to be reigned in again. Dumb bastard probably thinks I'm spoilt, when in reality...I just don't like him."

He held the bottle out to her in a toast. "To new friends, and whatever else they may become."

She toasted with him, smiling at his words before taking a healthy gulp of the cold beer. The cold was refreshing, and soothing at the same time. With his admission, she would be meeting Marcus much earlier than expected. In the past, she had tried never to get in over her head... that much confidence can become a disadvantage. But at this moment, Kantha is feeling good; she feels accomplished. Now she merely had to play her part, what is it they said? and go along with the flow.. until the time came for her to strike.

"Oh? Is that so? Well are you nervous since he will be watching you fight?" She took another gulp and set the bottle on his coffee table. "Perhaps he is just coming in to see how you are doing with school, and life in general.." she grinned at him. "Allow yourself to be surprised every once in a while"

Her gaze dropped to her wrist, it was almost six o'clock pm. "You know you are a very laid back guy.." she began to say right before sitting down slowly on his couch. "... meeting you was definately a pleasure for me, also because I probably would still be out there looking foolish with that map. So, thank you for your help..and the drink. I'm very sure we will see each other again much sooner than later"

Larry allowed himself a chuckle at her statement. "Oh, believe me. Usually I'm a stupidly hopeless optimist. I just know the old man better than most. And no, I won't be nervous - any kind of weakness is instant death in boxing. You're trained to find it in your opponents, and mine are no different."

Seeing her look at her watch, preparing to leave, Larry felt a little disappointed. "I probably will see you sooner than later..." He said quietly, moving next to her and placing one of his hands on hers, wondering what it was about this girl that intrigued him like this - he wasn't often this taken so quickly. "...Because I'm hoping you'll let me cook you dinner. Say at about seven or eight? Just drop by whenever you're done packing."

Leaning forward, he gave her a gentle kiss on the lips, knowing there was a better-than-even chance she'd probably slap him and then horribly castrate him, but deciding it was worth the risk.

With What Guts...

The kiss that was laid upon her lips was gentle, but far from chaste. Chaste is when you kiss your mother, chaste is when you purse your lips so far out that you can barely feel it when they do connect with skin, chaste... is when you kiss when there is neither tension nor apprehension. She saw him leaning in, so slow as if he expected her to stop him, but the kiss was welcomed. Her soft lips brushed along his just as slowly and then she smiled.

"Unfortunately, I will not be able to stop by tonight. Like I mentioned before, I do have quite a number of things to do before the day is over. But if you do not mind me watching you also, I'd invite myself to your game..when is it? Saturday? I will be free for the weekend, so we can spend some time then"

Kantha stood up and smoothed her fingers down her trousers, staring down at him... "Who knows, we may see eachother in between classes before Saturday" With that, they parted ways. No phone numbers were exchanged, it wasn't really of any use to her so soon. Afterall, in reality, she was the one coming after him, not the other way around.

It was Tuesday, but she had a report to fill out by Thursday night, and as such needed the time off to perform her own research just so she could turn said documents in on time. She hated to be late. Saturday couldn't come any sooner, she was nervous, excited, and ready for that big event. But now she needed to wait.

Later, in the bathroom of his office, Marcus was washing his hands. He watched as the red spiral downward into the gold plated drain of his marble sink. Every now and then he loved to go old school and get his hands dirty during his business meetings. Mr. H had been a smart ass prick. He thought his morals and values should stand in the way of his corporate profit. Too bad the world doesn’t work that way and a broken nose taught him otherwise.

With his problem now removed and Mr. H’s manufacturing facilities finally bought out, he could now close them. This is how the bulk of Marcus’s business worked. His US companies were being underbid by his Chinese competitors. Covertly he would have Chinese mercenaries sabotage the Chinese plants until production came to a grinding halt. After the price had plummeted, he simply bought the facility and promptly closed it. Much bribery and intimidation had to be used to grease the deals, but in the end, it was to everyone’s benefit. China got to tax the buyout and the US got back jobs from the foreign competition. Sure what he was doing was illegal, but the people in high government offices were like him, and looked the other way as long as he was lining their pockets. It was a win-win for everyone, except the people that worked at the Chinese plant that he put out of work.

Suddenly there was a knock on his bathroom door.

“Sir, are you in there?” A timid security officer spoke up.

“What?” Marcus answered annoyed.

“That fighter your son is gonna fight Saturday is here. Should I show him in?”

“Show him where, my bathroom?” Marcus snapped, “tell him to wait till I’m ready goddamint!”

“O of course sir, sorry sir.”

Marcus heard the man nervously run out of his adjoining office. Marcus dried his hands on the towel rack. A couple drops of blood were still on his sleeves and Marcus smiled. He loved how one business meeting could influence another. The kid would notice the blood and it would help intimidate him. He would pay off or threaten this young, impressionable fighter, whatever it took to make him take a dive. It wasn’t with the intention of being mean to his son, it was simply to show him how far his father’s arms reached. It was to teach him that there was no facet of his life that was untouchable…respect must be given.

The door shut behind Kantha and Larry let out a "Wow..." and collapsed onto his back on the couch, lacing his fingers behind his head. Now that was one girl that he definitely wanted to know better. Not just because of her looks, but because she had that damn mysterious air around her. Usually it was the women who were attracted to the dark and mysterious men, but...Her secretiveness was almost addicting.

I'll get her a ticket to the front row...I'm sure the coach won't mind me wanting to fit a close personal friend into the VIP row.

Smiling goofily, one of his hands reached for the phone. "Hey, Jake? Yeah, it's Larry. Listen, how's about we get the group together tonight and have our usual winding-down party?"

"It's not even the middle of the week and besides, don't you have a match this Saturday?

"Exactly. So I'll prepare for it by putting my body through its endurance paces by drinking enough alcohol to kill a horse. And besides, I know you guys want to watch Spiderman 3 in High-Def."

"How the hell do you even have that on DVD?"

"Connections, my friend. Connections..."

***

Said party came and went, and considerably hungover, Larry struggled through Wednesday's classes, eventually just giving up halfway through and going home to sleep it off. Tursday wasn't much better, mostly because for once he attended every single one of the boring-ass lessons and didn't get one glimpse of Kantha.

Finally, his luck changed Friday, and he saw her walking down one of the corridors. They exchanged hellos and flirtatious smiles before he handed her her ticket and finally learnt her name. They agreed to meet Saturday, an hour before his match, and he told her where to find the locker room. They had parted with another kiss, similar to the one they had shared in his apartment.

***

And finally Saturday...Larry finished his warm-up exercises and went up to the punching bag hanging from the ceiling. Starting with a few playful taps, he soon got into a rhythm, imagining hooks and jabs thrown by his opponent and ducking and weaving as appropriate, before responding with quick, hard counter-attacks. He was a good boxer - fast, damn-strong and once his adrenaline got flowing, his endurance was off the chart, letting him shrug off most blows and only feeling their effects hours later.

With no sound but the thudding of leather on leather, Larry waited for Kantha, wanting to see her...

OOC: I wasn't sure if you wanted me to move time along, so I apologise if I used your character in a bad way. If there's anything wrong, just let me know and I'll change it.