Dark Nights in London

[Honey_B]

Welcome to the Dark Nights of London, a thread for Honey_B and Exosus

Corinna Martin - Friday night, 9:30pm

http://www.stimulus.com/v/5/sanctuary/janesko/images/u18/luckyday.jpg

Fragile
Like a baby in your arms
Be gentle with me
I'd never willingly
Do you harm

The words of the Depeche Mode song drifted in from the other room. I leaned over the sink and drew a thin black line on my eyelid, right over the thicker silver already in place. Plum lipstick, almost black - Ran it over my lips, making them the darkest shade of a bruise. No need for powder, never have. My skin always glowed a translucent pearly white. I had managed to tame my waist-length black hair somewhat by plaiting stands of it with silver cord. The effect made it shimmer ebony and silver.

Kiss me goodbye
When I'm on my own
But you know that I'd
Rather be home

*sigh*

Cupping my full breasts, I slid on my black silk corset, drawing in the front lacings until my small waist was made almost non-existent. My black velvet skirt glided against my calves as I reached for my earrings, large silver hoops.

Independence
Is still important for us though
(we realize)
It's easy to make
The stupid mistake
Of letting go
(do you know what I mean)

The subway, 'The Tubes', as they are called here in London....
Not a very glamorous transport to my debut. But then again, this was hardly a debut. I barely knew a soul in this city and no one who would be where I was going. I found a seat and crossed my long legs. The better to show off my new ankle boots, PVC and with spiked heels, I had just bought them when I left Chicago.

*sigh*

I had a vague notion of going to Soho and visiting the club, which had once housed the famous Batcave. I looked down at the flyer for it and tried to match its location with the subway map on the wall.

The doors slid open. I looked up and I couldn't help but smile. The music continued in my mind.

It's a question of lust...

 

[Exosus]

Daniel Mentiplay - Friday Night, 9:40pm

I looked in the mirror as I smudged my lipstick somewhat and laughed "How oh so goth of you to do the Robert Smith look Daniel." He rolled his eyes and slipped into his PVC pants, pulling on the black velvet shirt afterwards. Then finally, the finishing touches: Spiked collar, vinyl gloves and leather jacket

"Hmm, some music to get me in the mood for my entrance to this scene. Hopefully the scene is like Melbourne's."

I press the play button on the remote, and the familiar strains of Siouxie and the Banshees begin to fill the air

The voice asleep, the voice has vanished
From the top of the sky to the place below
Touch the surface and the mirror bends
Your words resound, out of control
Freeze into time now

Ah, the night sky. I look up and smile softly, as I head down into the subway.

I step onto the Tube, as the Brits call it, partially lost in my thoughts, when I see a pair of PVC boots, attached to the longest legs I possibly have ever seen, which belong to a stunning female, dressed in the same manner as I am.

"Salutations, Dark Lady" I say as I sit down opposite

 

[Honey_B]

Corinna Martin

Languorously, I run my tongue over my purple lips and narrow my eyes to slits.

Judgement...

Should I acknowledge his presence?

I rake my eyes over his body. He is tall, gaunt, elegantly built. I linger long enough to study his face. His black tinged mouth is sensual. Our eyes meet. Hmm... Tragic eyes.

His voice sounds out of place, an accent, maybe Australian. He was respectful in his greeting. I nod, declining my head just a fraction.

"Enchanté," I say and mean it. No need to deceive.

The train stops and starts, eating its way through the stations on the line. My eyes return to the flyer. I am horrible at finding new places in strange cities.

I look up again and see that he has been watching me intently. The incessant lighting of the subway care does not allow any shadows to exist within its rattling hulks. Our skin washes pure white in the garish light.

"Do you happen to know where this is? Or even where Soho is?" I ask, holding up the flyer for 'Tenebrae'. "It says," I continue, reading from the paper, "The club's name is Gossip on Dean Street."

 

[Exosus]

I chuckled and nodded "Theoretically, I know where it is, however in reality, I have never been there. I was planning on making my debut tonight, but perhaps you would allow me to escort you?"

I look at her, my head tilted on a slight angle as my eyes take in her most flattering figure; Perfect skin, wonderful dress sense, and those eyes... so beautiful

 

[Honey_B]

"Well, that's absolutely no help."

I crumple the flyer into my fist and toss the ball into a wastepaper basket in the corner of the car.

"2 points!"

Perplexed look.

"Never mind."

I turn to look at the black as pitch walls flashing past the windows. Suits my mood.

He's still watching when I look over again.

"Did you say debut? Are you new to the city?"

 

[Exosus]

"Yes... moved here about a week ago. I've always wanted to see what the first gens were on about... finally decided tonight would be the night to make an entrance. Though, I did not expect to have company... perhaps I should consider another night." I grin at her wryly as I took in her stunning legs again, and softly tapped my combat boots against the floor as Siouxie began to softly sing inside my head.

"I take it that you m'dear are also new to this dark and dreary city?"

 

[Honey_B]

Friday night, 10:10pm

"Indeed. Allow me to introduce myself. Corinna Martin, recent transplant from Chicago, Illinois."

I ran my tongue over my lips again.

"I would love the pleasure of your company tonight. I am afraid I don't know a soul in this city."

I smiled slightly hoping I didn't sound too vulnerable.

The train pulled up to the Leicester Square stop. I looked across the aisle and pointed to the map on the wall.

"According to that we need to get off if we are going anywhere near Soho. Shall we get off and discuss what we'll do after."

I stood.

 

[Exosus]

"I would love the pleasure of your company tonight. I am afraid I don't know a soul in this city."

My eyes lit up, and I stood as well.
"Yes, let us." Offering her my hand, palm up, as if we were about to dance, I chuckled softly "They call me Daniel Mentiplay, refugee of Melbourne, Australia and devotee of Siouxie."

We stepped off the train, getting a few strange glances as we sat.

"So... do we catch another tube, or shall we walk? It is a fine night out. For once."

 

[Honey_B]

"Still inside, yet doubt survives
it all begins, beneath the skin
No one is near, no one will hear
your changeling song takes shape
in Shadowtime."

I sing the verse and catch Daniel looking with a little surprise.

"I've always been something of a mimic. Let's walk. I don't think it's very far and we can go through Chinatown. I've never seen it by night."

We emerged on the surface after glancing at a street map.

London had been transformed. It lacked the dark, foggy atmosphere of gaslight, but the city still shimmered with mystery.

"I do believe we can head up Charing Cross from here, but let's wander through the smaller streets. Getting lost at night in a strange city is one of my favorite pastimes."

 

[Exosus]

I looked at her suprised as she sang then grinned as she explained

"To get myself lost in the city, with a stunning lady, tis more than I could have hoped for. The night is young, so let us sieze it and explore this vast, wonderous city."

I took her hand and we began walking, stepping down every little alley, each filled with slightly different views, from high, decrepit wooden fences, to long, dark corridors, shaded from view. Every now and then, my head would turn, and I looked at her, my eyes smiling softly at her dark beauty

 

[Honey_B]

Corinna Martin - Friday night, 10:40pm

The dark mysteries of Chinatown gave way to the cut-glass glitter that was Soho. Dean St. We were looking for a place called Gossips. A place transformed this night, the last Friday of the month, into Tenebrae. A goth night which harkened back to the early days when the club had housed the Batcave.

Even to my jaded heart, I responded to the darkly beautiful atmosphere. Iron fixtures with white gauze festooning the walls. The people, a romance in black. Bouquets of black roses filled the air with a soft spicy scent.

"And, here we are, Daniel. A bit of a thrill for me really. This is where it all began, back in 1982. This place did more to shape and define what is goth than any other. Let's snag a table."

The tables, low concrete slabs girded by red velvet settees, were filling up quickly. I snapped one up just before a viscious little thing sat down. Her eyes were feral eyes as she looked at me.

Fine with me, luv. You take the seat and I'll take this man.

My eyes flared as she had wrapped her body around Daniel. I stood and towered over the petite whisp of a heroin waif. My claws dug into her upper arm as I hissed,

"Oh, quite all right, luv. You do that and I'll snap your arm in two."

Realizing her mistake, she yanked her arm out of my grip and disappeared in the crowd.

I gracefully sank back into the red velvet.

"Do sit down, Daniel. I had to work a bit for this table."

My smile was more than a bit wicked.

 

[Exosus]

A bump to keep this thread alive for my dear friend Honey, should she ever return. Expect to see many of these

 

[Exosus]

Sitting down, I chuckled, looking into Corinna's eyes

"Work? You almost looked like you were enjoying that competition. Wasn't it amazing, the way she threw herself at me? You didn't expect me to take up with a 'spooky kid' like that though, did you? I prefer those with truly dark souls." I smile softly, though the reference to the waif as a spooky kid, and not a true goth certaintly bit through the deceptively harmless statement.

Sinking into my natural, invisible posture I sit, watching this creature, her lips, curved in a wicked smile, tempting me beyond all reason, and her eyes taking my breath away

 

[Honey_B]

Corinna Martin - Friday night, 10:45pm

"I prefer those with truly dark souls"

I arched a brow and gave Daniel a speculative look. He really had no idea what he was getting into if he wanted to delve into my dark soul.

"I agree with you assessment of the poser, Daniel. She appeared to have the depth Saren Wrap. Now tell me, what brings you half-way around the world. To London."

Before he could answer, a wraith of a waitor appeared and I shifted my gaze to him.

"A vodka martini. Two olives. Daniel?"

 

[Exosus]

"Bourbon, no ice," I told the waiter, and then turned back to Corinna "as for what brings me to London, well, the beauty of the city for one, as well as my studies into the heart of Gothdom. And because I was accepted at a local art school."

I smiled softly at her, as the waiter returned with our drinks.

Thanking the waiter, I chuckled softly "And how about you, what brings you to this fair city?"

 

[Honey_B]

I accepted the martini from the waiter and gazed into the crystal clear liquid.

"... What brings you to this fair city?"

Not a difficult question really. Or it shouldn't be. "Go ahead and tell him, Corrina," I thought.

"To find out if the suburban, middle-class, white picket-fence life from which I came managed to destroy my spirit completely."

Realizing I had spoken with a tad too much venom, I took a sip of my drink. Hazarding a look at Daniel, I smiled and gave a harsh little laugh before continuing.

"I'm a writer, or at least I intended to be before I gave up that dream and became a teacher when I got married. I'm here in London to discover whether the person I once was, the writer, still exists. Of course, I still have to teach for a living, but at least its at a university and only one class. American Literature."

I toyed with the skewered olives for a moment, swishing them around in the frigid alcohol. Bringing the toothpick to my lips, I slid one green orb into my mouth and chewed methodically. A change of subject was in defiantly in order. I hated talking about myself, although I found Daniel to be easier to talk to than most. Maybe because he was sitting there looking at me like some dark knight. I set the glass and olives down on the table.

"Daniel, let me see your hands."

Without waiting for an answer, I took his hands into my own.

"An artist's hands are beautiful. They have the ability to create. It gives them a sensuality in the way they move, in the way they feel. And so it is, that yours are beautiful."

 

[Exosus]

OOC:

*takes a baseball bat and bumps the thread up*

Muaha!

 

[Honey_B]

Bumping it right back at ya, Ex!

 

[Exosus]

"My hands are passing fair, m'lady." I replied, my eyes twinkling as I turned them over, so as to display her hands to me. "However, they cannot compare to the simple beauty that is held within yours, for yours are truly shapely and delicate."

Raising one of her hands, I brushed it with my lips, my eyes meeting hers softly.

"However, as an artist I know true beauty when I see it, and your eyes encapture it most of your entire exquisite form. However, I have waxed poetical enough, I think. Suffice to say if I ever had the chance, I would consider painting thee to be my masterpiece."

Gently running my finger around the edge of my glass, a thought came to me

"You say you gave up writing after you were married? You are married then?"

 

[Honey_B]

As Daniel spoke of painting me, I felt a small shiver of excitement. How could I not? I possessed enough vanity to be intensely flattered and I felt the warmth of color creep into my cheeks. With difficulty, I tore my eyes away from his hands and turned my attention to the question he’d asked.

“Thankfully, no. I am no longer married.”

I declined to say more on the subject. This was neither the time nor the place for such maudlin stories.

“It’s a bit like recovering from an illness, I know it may take quite awhile to return to what I once was. I used to write poetry. Being told one too many times that I was without talent caused me to believe it.”

 

[Exosus]

"Belief is a strange and mostly wonderful thing. Though it can have its detriments." Daniel smiled at Corinna

"Myself, I firmly believe that one such as yourself will soon find that your talent has not deserted you. Talent never does."

Having heard that she was no longer married, Daniel's courage crept up and he slid close to Corinna , looking at her, with mostly hidden interest

 

[Honey_B]

Thankfully some things are not meant to go quietly into that good night. Thank you for returning to finish this with me, Ex.

His nearness was a drug and the skin of my thigh tingled as it came into contact with his leg. Whatever we are or will become hinges on such moments. Answering the call of destiny, I leaned over and brushed Daniels's cheek with a whisper of a kiss.

"Perhaps it is a mater of inspiration, Daniel. Great poetry is born from great feeling and it has been a very long time since I have felt anything beyond the numbing affects of indifference."

That is, until now.

 

[Exosus]

As Corinna kissed his cheek, Daniel felt a stirring inside, but ruthlessly crushed it. This was not some woman to view as nothing more than a good time... she was gorgeous. No, beyond gorgeous, she was amazing..

"I understand what you mean. Sometimes, inspiration can be hard to find... other times... it falls into your lap."

 

[Honey_B]

"The dance of darkness,
Our heart's desire,
Wolves howling in chorus,
Celebrating the night.

The warmth of human flesh,
Shrouded in shadow,
Hearts beating in unison,
Red lips part, souls meet."

I whispered the words, my lips so close to Daniel's skin that I was positive he would be able to feel my breath dance across his cheek. I straightened and regarded him with new eyes.

"Glad am I that you landed in my lap, Daniel. It seems you inspire me."

I picked up one of his hands once again and placed it over my heart.

"Will our hearts ever beat in unison?"

 

[Exosus]

"Do they not already? I find that your very touch doth stir my blood. The melodies of a thousand different darknesses swirl and burn within my veins."

His voice dropped to a whisper as he gently turned his head, kissing Corinna lightly, tantalisingly. Moving away, he looked into her eyes, and it seemed as if a fire truly burned there.

"Would you care to dance?" His hand extended, gracefully, almost of it's own volition towards her, an invitation so clear, yet subtle in its connotations.