Dark Nights

[One Eyed Jack]

Garm finished up his work, and had, unfortunately sunk to some rather low tactics in his last house call. It seemed that the District attorney was a man of principle. So much to he let his wife get tossed around, and threatened. It wasn't until their ten year old son became involved did the man listen to reason. Now the boy was bound to him. At least the young ones could recover easier. But he had the leverage he needed to get started.

As of tonight he had an informant in the police, the DA was in his pocket, and three drug dealers would give him any information about the happenings on the streets, and a very talented stock broker had agreed to help manage any assets sent his way.

All but the DA had easily been blackmailed. Which would not hold them all long, but long enough. Only that damned fool risked everything on principle, even faced with pictures of his affair with the young intern at his office. Hypocritical bastard and his laws.

So, late in the night, or more accurately, early in the morning, he returned. He found Gesine passed out on the couch, and felt bad for her. He was irritated still, but a woman sleeping always looked so innocent. Then he noticed the empty needle.

Looking in the guest room, he found another girl, one he did not know, but certainly approved of. A beautiful girl – Gesine had done well. He wondered who she was, but left the room. Gently picking Gesine off the couch and laying her down in her own bed. He put her alarm back on the night stand, and covered her up. The poor thing barely stirred through the whole process.

He shut off the TV, and took some black plastic garbage bags out from under her kitchen sink. With these and the duct tape he covered the windows, and decided he would rest out here, and greet her in the morning. She would need to know why she had her own accountant.

 

[PaintaPicture]

She had slept nicely through the night and had no dreams. She slowly woke up at the sound of her alarm and realized she was in her bed and tryed to figure out how she got there. Then figured Garm must have put her there. She then got out of bed, pealing her clothes of showering and then getting her clothes out for work. Drying her hair and putting some make-up on she put a on a nice tank top, and a flowy skirt with some heels.

She put her hair into a ponytail and then walked out seeing the bags over the windows and then seeing Garm on the couch.
"morning"

Gesine walked into the kitchen and started to make coffee and some toast getting the news paper from outside her door and sitting down at the kitchen table reading her newspaper, eating her toast waiting for the coffee to brew.

She then remembered that work would be different today, with her boss being nice to her and the such. Maybe she'd be allowed to get off early for once. She had decided to not go running that morning and wuld do it later and would like to before the sun went down.

She then remembered about Diane.
"Oh, the girl's name is Diane, she can get frisky easily, i hope you like her."

 

[One Eyed Jack]

“So that's her name. She a friend, another person from work? Go out dancing and bring her home – you were dead tired when I got here.”

He joined her in the kitchen, and sat across from her. “By frisky, do you mean to have her take your place for all this sex I spoke of? She is a beautiful girl, perhaps I'll have her put on a little show later.”

He smiled, and knew he pushed too hard this early in the morning. “I wanted to stay up and tell you, since you love my honesty. You have a new accountant looking into your current assets. I gave him ten thousand of my own to begin working with – what I could come up with since getting into town. Not sure how much you have now, but the guy is good, and should be able to do something with whatever it is you have to get a good return. Don;t worry, he's not only good, but he know' his life depends on it this time.”

When the coffee was done he waved her to remain seated, and poured it for her, setting the dark fluid in front of her. “I may join you at work today, I like dealing with antiques, and as you might guess, I know a little about them – after all I am one.” He laughed a little. “Your time however makes it hard for a man with my skin condition to dress for the sun. You should see what can be done about bringing back brimmed hats.”

He sat back down at the table and smiled at his human.

 

[PaintaPicture]

She didnt answer his questions but just sat there and put the paper back down to talk to him. She just sat there and listened. She had an accountant, she didnt have much money but he already added to that. A small smile came to her face but she attempted to hide it.

He handed her her coffee and she took it drinking the hot liquid. Getting the caffine boost that she so badly needed. He said he was going to join her at work and she really really really didnt want him too. She liked to work alone and with the radio. She had to clean off the same painting she had been working on and she knew there would be no saying 'no' to him.

He made a few jokes and she muscled a smile as he rejoined her at the table. She finnished her coffee and put the mug away and walked back into her room and grabbed her sweater pulling it on and grabbing her bag. Grabbing a to-go mug of coffee she looked at him.
"I'm ready to go...i'm guessing you need a moment too do the same?"
She gave him a half smile and decided today, she would just give in. Whatever he wanted, it was his. She was waving her white flag.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

Garm just nodded, smirking at how she avoided his questions. He dressed again, and mentally braced himself for his little ordeal. At least she had gotten up early, and the sun was barely beginning to rise.

“Okay let's go. This is going to be...uncomfortable for me. I'm trusting you with this. I will be weaker in the sunlight, and for moments after. After we arrive, and I recover as best I can, I will leave you to your work for the day.”

They left, and as promised, he had the most un-enjoyable of rides. He looked ill, like someone that has a sever flu, except that he did not sweat – since he was incapable of it. He convinced her to park in the parking garage, and he let himself out of the car. He scrambled into a shadowed corner without his usual grace. Trying to relax, and let it pass, he collected himself. “Go, enjoy your day. I will meet you before it is time to head home.”

He waived her off, not exactly feeling social. It had been the first time in well over fifty years that he'd pulled a stunt like this, and it was worse then he remembered. Hating how weak he had looked in front of her, he cursed himself for being a fool. She wasn't bonded, and might get ideas on how to dispose of him. No one got a second chance at that – should she try he'd have to kill her.

Eventually he left the safety of his shady corner, and walked into the building. Hear too many windows filled the offices with natural light, but as long as he stayed out of it's direct contact, he could manage the day without looking like shit.

The elevator had been a great reprieve as well, and almost thought to ride it up and down the entire building a few times like some child. But instead eh got out at the top floor, and made his way to to executive offices, and interrupted a meeting.

At five o'clock Garm entered the studio where Gesine worked, and took a seat. The overhead florescent lights were too bright, but no natural light was allowed near the paintings that were being repaired and preserved. He'd wait patiently for her, and was only noticed by JJ, who quickly found another room to be in.

 

[PaintaPicture]

As they left her building she saw how absoultely week he got. He looked like he was about to keel over at any moment. She parked in the parking garage trying to find a shady spot and as she parked he ran out to the shadows. She really was shocked at how the sun really took a tole on him.

Once he waved her away she took her things and went into her studio, taking out all her supplies and getting ready. Putting on her lab looking coat she took out the painting and put some rubber gloves. She started the cleaning almost finnished, and proud she would be done with it before the deadline.

She wondered where he had been all day, and got extremely worried that he was doing something she really didnt want him too. She worked all day and paused for lunch then worked all day until she saw Garm back in the studio room she was in. Looking up she saw him and set down her brushes and took off the surgeon's looking mask she was required to wear.
"So...Where were you? What were you doing?"

Gesine prayed he wasnt going to change her job situation too much. She liked what she did and didnt need any more help with anything, but her oppinon or ideas on what she thought she needed was no longer important. Why he chose to do all these nice things for her she didnt understand. She almost didnt mind finally getting what she deserved.

Looking up at him she sat still feeling like a mouse next to a lion despite seeing his reaction in the sun, she still felt almost powerless against him. She didnt smile, didnt frown but just sat there.
"I still have some work to do, unless you want to leave."

 

[One Eyed Jack]

“Since you asked so politely,” pointing out the opposite, “I was establishing myself as a contributing member of the work force. I am now a consultant, via computer, to your company for various artifacts and aged trinkets. You'd be surprised to know that most of the items that are so priceless now, were thought to be crap in their day. Fame is survival, not talent.”

He waved her off, “I'm content to sit here as long as you need. I'm not anxious to revisit the sun. Should you work until dusk, I'd be thrilled – but only if it does not inconvenience you.” He didn't laugh at the irony that as soon as she left, he'd claim her night once more.

He actually enjoyed watching her work, and could see how the precise, detailed craft would make the muscles sore, but might be rewarding to someone who enjoyed preserving the past. She seemed to forget her worries, which admittedly were all about him now, while she worked – reminding him again why he'd chosen her. It was like seeing a deer beside a stream, or a eagle soring in the sky – she was in her element, at least one of them.

 

[PaintaPicture]

She just sighed and took it. He was a consultant? Atleast he'd be on a computer and not in her building. She'd be able to go to work alone and have a few moments during the day to just be Gesine and work. She didnt fight back at him for doing this and just took it, trying and attempting to see a possitive side to it all.

He let her work and she didnt care for his comments. If he went into the sun or not didnt concern her at all. She shrugged and put the mask back on and sat on her stool and continued to work. Switching tool and and cleaning precisely. Her hands were soft and gentle at their job, and started to tremble slightly from being so still and sore.

She shook them out and continued, finnishing the piece and then standing back looking at it. She smiled at her 'work' and then went with a different tool to do some touch up work. This entire process took some time but she didnt mind, since this meant she would get something new to work with.

When she completely finnished she stood back and took her mask off and looked at it with a smile. She then put it's cover back on and stored it properly.
"Well, i'm done now, and will present the piece tomorrow for inspection. I just need to clean up and we can leave."

She didnt wait for his answer or what he thought of the job she had done and just started cleaning up. Putting her things away and taking the gloves and mask off throwing them out and hanging her coat on the wall. She readjusted her outfit and grabbed her bag. Looking at Garm she walked out of the room and locked it behind them heading for the parking garage.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

Dust had come, and the ride was not as uncomfortable as the morning had been, though by no means a treat to him. He suffered it in silence, admiring a sunset as best he could. As a young man he;d enjoyed the sunsets from the top of a hill near his village. A a monster, he knew he'd never see as many in his seemingly eternal un-life as he had as a human.

Once inside her apartment, he took a few moments to recover himself, before excusing himself for his dinner of Kara. Entering the guest room, which now housed five women, he greeted them, and noted how each reacted. He gave them all the injection for the night, and waited. Garm then released the first three, Tanya, Sasha, and Mary – telling them to go make dinner for Gesine.

He fed quickly from Kara, and left the room, to visit with his un-bonded assistant. “The first three are ready to leave, after they make you dinner, and do whatever else you wish of them. They will not speak ill of you, or breath a word of this to anyone. They know to come when called, and what day to show up if they hear nothing.”

He walked behind Gesine, and massaged her shoulders. “I will not take any more from you tonight. You are still ahead in your task, take the night off to relax if you wish.”

 

[PaintaPicture]

She drove home and they got to the appartment rather quickly and she took her sweater off and threw her purse, keys, and sweater onto the bed and let her hair down around her shoudlers. Garm quickly disapeared but came back with a satisfied looking smirk about him. The 3 girls came out asking her all these questins about what she wanted to eat and she dismissed them quickly and told them to get a good nights rest.

When she felt Garm's cold hands against the skin on her shoudlers she quickly turned and face him. She was allowed to replax if she wished, thinking it sick that getting to relax would have to be approved by him. She adjusted her hair out of her face and looked at him.

"Do YOU ever relax?"
She questioned him softly.
"I mean, you always seem sooo tense, like this is a job or or some kind of stiff environment. I dont get it. But what am i saying..i am the one after all that gets to relax, since i've been granted permission to do so."

The last sentence was slightly mocking but she was trying to make a point. She the grabbed a bottle of water and put on one of the latest, 'vampire' themed movie just to be ironic...and maybe to piss him off. She sighed and actually tryed to relax with a tiny smirk of a smile on her face.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

Garm ignored her sarcasm for the moment, and chuckled. “No. I don't. You may find it surprising, but even after all these centuries, I do not really wish for death. I've seen many of my type rise and fall, because they 'relaxed' and enjoyed their power over their humans, and even each other. Where I've been known to enjoy the occasional act utter debauchery, I've seen how a 'relaxed' monster turns these into nightly events. No, there is no relaxing for me, especially so early on in a new home. Why is it you think I enjoy you so much?”

He was irritated again with her, and wished she;d just give in and choose to drink the damn blood. The more of his plans he put together with out her bound to him, the she must die should she wait too long. He didn't want to loose her, but she;d have to accept changes she was still fighting – like her job.

“Gesine, even now, with just us and a few blood dolls, I cannot completely relax. You've far to much anger toward me, which while understandable, is not, shall we say, overly comforting. I will relax more, when we are more established in the city, and you've adjusted more. But never will I let my guard down completely. Such is the nature of my existence.”

He had tried to ignore the movie, but had to laugh as the vixen vampire tried to seduce the main character. “You humans, you know enough to be afraid of what I am, should you ever all realize our existence, yet you romanticize and fantasize about it. You've made terrifying movies about aliens, and mummies, but never has there been a vampire movie that was frightening, vs. a sexual drama. I wonder why that is.”

 

[PaintaPicture]

Gesine sat and listened to his long drawn out explanation of things as she watched the movie. She rolled her eyes slightly and was happy that he wasnt able to see it. She could tell he was still annoyed with her, and she was rather surprised that he hadnt just killed her. She didnt like the idea of being 'bonded' to him yet. It scared her, not being able to have complete control of herself. She also wondered how life would be if she ever wanted to get married or move or something along those lines. She shrugged the ideas off and realized she had a presentation to work on.

Movie swiftly off the couch she looked over at Garm and smiled.
"Do you mind making a pot of coffee?"
She grinned playfully.
"I've got a lot of work tonight and i deffinately need the caffeine."
And before he could say anything in reply she kissed his cheek and turned.
"I'm gonna get changed i'll be right out. thanks!"

She walked into her room waiting for the wrath to be brought down on her as she removed her work clothes throwing them into the hamper and walked around her room naked putting on a spaghetti strap shirt, that clung to her body, and a pair of comforable boxer like shorts. Not even feeling the need for underwear she walked back out with her laptop, sat back down on the couch and started to type up her notes and what she wanted to discuss and such when she presented the piece to the 'higher ups' as she called them. Pulling her glasses on she sat and worked, with a smirk; waiting for Garm to do or say something.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

He rolled his eyes at her cute girl act, but made the coffee – strong enough to keep the dead kicking for several hours. She'd run out of sugar before she got it thinned into something most humans would drink. He however took the first cup. Pleased with the results, he vowed to bring home a french press, and some of his favorite beans. He truly had a snobs taste for just about anything, but that came with the years.

Pleased with himself he delivered her cup of black liquid, setting it on the end table beside her. “I'll be back later. Funny how your time to relax turned into both of us working.”

He didn't say anything else, just left through the front door, and went about his business. There were more people to turn to his side, willingly or not, knowingly or not. Her words had hit a softer spot then he had admitted – he did long to relax. For once, just sit back with a willing woman, a couple blood dolls and not worry about how many Hunters are left, or how many of his own kind. Not think over every detail of how to keep his comfort and secrecy.

In his travels that night, he came across a disturbing fact – twice he;d seen evidence of what was likely another vampire in town. Had to be an old one too, for they were good at covering their work. He had even dismissed the first clue, an out of place puncture wound on a young man's arm as his mind jumping to conclusions, but later he found a girl who was definitely someone's regular meal – and not one of his.

Old, discreet, and favored both pretty girls and pretty boys – dare he hope? He'd been just another pretty young man once, until such a creature as himself came along. Could she still be alive?

He left the rest of his work unfinished, and returned to Gesine's home at 1 AM. He was too distracted by both hope and fear that his own creator could be within the city. Garm entered through the door in a cloud of black mist, materializing on the other side, as if he had just came through the door like a normal person. He did a quick look to see if his chosen assistant was still awake, he couldn't shake some of the thoughts in his head, and wanted her to provide something else to think about – even another fight would be welcome now.

 

[PaintaPicture]

As he made the coffee she sat and worked, rather surprised that he had in the first place. She figured he'd yell at her for even asking him to do anything but then let it go. Gesine took the ht liquid nicely and realized he had made it stronger than her usual liking. She shrugged it off needing the caffeine to make sure her presentation was perfect.

When he said he was leaving she didnt really care but then realized that once he as gone she felt lonley. Almost like she wanted him back with her. It was an odd feeling and she tryed her best to ignore it. Working and working she grew tired but forced herself to stay up. It was late and Garm finally got home and she looked over and gave him a smile.

"So where did ya go? Kill anyone while you were out?"

She said it all normally but with a bit of sarcasm in the end. She really was curious about what he did when he left. Where he went, who he was seeing; so on and so forth. Thoughts of her bonding herself lingered in her mind and she was starting to re consider doing it. But she had questions and randomly decided to ask them.

"Lets just say..and this is hypothetical...if i were to bond myself to you...what happens? To i become a sex crazed zombie like the other girls? Can i still function? what actually happens? I'm rather curious."

She then set her computer down and looked at him.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

“No, the world was spared my terrible wrath this night,” he retorted with the same hint of sarcasm. Humans usually thought themselves terribly clever when being sarcastic, at least she had the good sense to know she was just making light jabs.

He was actually caught completely off guard by her 'hypothetical' questions – his mind still on the what if's of his creator being in town. He poured himself a small cup of the coffee that had no effect on him, and cursed himself for not having brought something better home, but he drank it and sat down across from her.

“You retain all your will. Your thoughts, your dreams, everything. Your mind would develop and instinct that what I wanted, you also wanted. Having never been bonded myself, I can;t describe it first hand, but I have asked, at length many that have gone before you. And no, you will not be a sex crazed zombie. No more so then me anyway,” his smile was weak, obviously still distracted, but she deserved his attention in this line of questions.

He sat up, adjusting himself. “Often, I am told that my praise actually feels good, and my anger hurts. This does not always happen, but women report this far more then men. Seems it holds true even in this that women are more empathic then men. Willful disobedience or betrayal however is always painful – hence the purpose.”

He took another swig of the mediocre coffee, “At first, after first drinking the blood, you will be worse then those girls, and that would last about a day. Each month, as you drink again, the effects will be less severe, but for the first few, that one day you would depend on and beg for my approval and tasks to please me. This is why I don't bond males anymore – much easier to tolerate a pretty girl following you around like a lost puppy then the huge wrestle you recruited for security.”

 

[PaintaPicture]

She listened to everything he said and understood completely. She didnt really like the answer but it was something she'd eventually have to give into. She then felt defensive and didnt ever want to bond herself to him. But then she thought of her family and the things he could do to them. Her heart hurt and she wanted him gone once again. Those feelings of lonelyness from earlier were quickly shot and she wanted him to leave permanently.

"So...what if i never bonded myself to you...what happens then?"

She was curious on what he would do.

"Would you force it on me? And make me do it?"

She stood up and looked at him questioingly with her arms crossed against her chest. Gesine was getting a little annoyed now and didnt want to ever be bonded to him.

"Your messing with free will and even God doesnt do that."

Bringing up God probably wasnt the smartest of ideas but she did it anyways. She was getting tired and cranky and wanted to see what he'd do if she pushed his buttons a bit more. She wanted to push it a bit more but decided that she didnt want to go to bed mad or wake up mad. Another thing she thought about was why he hadnt just killed her yet. She was being a pain in the ass to him yet he let her live. Sometimes he didnt make sense, and as for her being alive she was fine with that.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

“I told you I'd never force it on you, It will be you're choice. However, as my plans grow, and become increasingly sensitive, there becomes a risk, which with you, if still not bonded, are for more risk then an asset. I am not, in my nature a trusting individual, so while I very much appreciate the honesty you have provided so far, I would not bet my life on that continuing until the end of your days. If I ever thought your risk was more then your benefit while not bonded, I would have to kill you.”

He starred at her, not at all happy with how tonight's conversation had gone. “Mine is a harsh world. I don't mean to frighten you, or bully you into it. I could bully anyone into it – that's not what I want. But you asked, and that is how I operate. I do hope you choose to bond yourself, and you can see for yourself that I keep my word. No threats to keep you in line. Your family will be protected by me, instead of used against you. Your life will change, but you, the woman, the personality, will fundamentally remain the same. Or, at some point I will have to find another, likely just promote one of the blood dolls, though none of them hold my interest as you do.”

He did want to hurry her, in light of his possible discovery. He had to build up his connections quickly, though now more discreetly. What ever vampire was in town, things seldom went well when two predators meet – one of the few laws of nature that still applied to his kind.

“I do ask you, for my own selfish reasons, that you not force me on the issue. I will not warn you when you know too much. If it comes to that – it will be quick, and relatively painless, but please, just don't let it come to that.”

He let the comment about god go, though he wanted to admonish her about the subject once more. She could cling to whatever she needed to get her through the times ahead. She might need her god if she refused to bond.

 

[PaintaPicture]

And there it came. The answer she should have known she was going to get. As well as a death threat. It all made sense if she looked at it from his point of view. But to her she felt like a little mouse in a cage waiting to be used for experiments. She sighed and let her arms fall to her side and she nodded her head. She would do it soon she thought. Get it over with and let that new life begin.

It did scare her though. As tough as she could be or wanted to be it still scared her greatly. But she pushed it out once again and sat down getting back to work. She calmed herself down and finnished up the presentation with a yawn.

She then looked up at Garm.
"Will you be up in the morning again?...since the windows are still blacked out?"
She like waking up to see someone, even if that someone was him. That and when she got dressed she wanted to make sure she looked perfect and he could be the one to approve of her choice of clothing. She put all her things away and yawned and stretched again.
"Well im going to bed...goodnight."

She headed into her room and set her alarm for 5:30 and crawled into bed trying to calm her mind enough to fall asleep.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

He didn't know how well she took the news. She simply went to bed after he confirmed that he would be there in the morning. When she went to bed, and closer her door, he cleaned up, and went to his room.

Kara and Diane were still there, eager to please, but his mind was elsewhere. What would Gesine choose? She left so suddenly, was she making plans for a new life, or to die? He'd seen many reactions in his long years, but seldom ones as puzzling as hers. To give the girls a task, he just had them braid each other's hair to keep them out of his way while he thought on all the things on his mind.

Eventually he slept, but not well and was nearly annoyed that the two girls had cuddled up to him in the night. They would sleep like the dead, and so he got up, and tied them up on the bed to prevent their outbursts when they woke and were not pleased until they had another does of his blood.

It was just past 5 AM when he started a pot off coffee for his human 'friend' and sat down, waiting to see her, and judge what she was thinking.

 

[PaintaPicture]

Gesine did not sleep as soundly as planned. Tossing and turning all night an waking up what felt like every 10 minutes. She didnt need this the day before a big day at work. She finally fell asleep but woke up to her alarm at 5:30 immediately crawling out of bed and showering. She then wrapped herself in her robe and her hair in a towel and walked into the kitchen startled to see Garm and a pot of coffee, the exact thing she came to do.

"Thanks for making it for me..."
She quickly poured a cup and scurried back into her room. Picking out one of her favorite things to wear she blow dryed her hair the way she liked it with a few curls and got dressed, putting on light make-up and a nice scent perfume.

Walking back out she looked at garm in her grey pinstripe pants and matching suit jacket with a white blouse underneath and a pair of moderate heels. It was all rather flattering and a nice outfit and one of her more expensive ones. She didnt really have any jewelry so none was worn and she turned around letting him see all of her.
"How do I look? Do you think it's okay for the presentation?"

She wanted his honest answer whether she would like it or not. All her work stuff was ready and she wasnt hungry for breakfast. She was already nervous about it all and prayed things would go smoothly.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

He smiled as she thanked him for the coffee and moved out of her way to get ready for the morning. He made his way over to her desktop computer, that seemed to have been forgotten in the corner. When she came out, he pointed at it, “Mind if i use this until I get my own, seems it's not been used in months anyway.”

He stood up at her question and came over to look her over. She looked good, but there was something missing. “Hold on.” Garm disappeared into his room, and after a duct tape muffled protest from Diane. He returned to Gesine with a pearl necklace, earrings and bracelet. “You look wonderful, but whoever you are trying to impress would see what I did – something missing, and it would detract from what you were saying.” He put the necklace around her throat and latched it, handed her the earrings and helped with the bracelet. “Diane is very happy to loan these to you, or will be.” He laughed.

He stepped back, seeing his work completed, “Much better. You look the part of a woman who is complete, and in total command of her world. And a very sexy one too.” He smiled.

“Have fun at work.”

 

[PaintaPicture]

At the question if he could use her computer she nodded. She hadnt used it in sometime and was meaning to sell it. But he could have it if he really wanted it. When he 'inspected' her and told her that there was something missing she didnt understand until he came back out with Diane's pearls. She felt awkward wearing them but smiled and figured she'd give them back to Diane when she was done with them.

"Thanks, i'll try to have fun. I'll be back tonight."

She then grabbed all her things and headed outside to her car driving off. Working on the presentation and then actually presenting it went perfectly, and all the executives were so pleased with her progress. They were so pleased in fact that they wanted her to present the painting and some historical information about it at the Art Museum Gala that was going to take place Saturday night.

They handed her 2 tickets and smiled, telling her to pick out a nice dress and such to wear. She nodded and thanked them a few more times and then took her stuff back to her office where her boss informed her that she had the rest of the day off to plan for saturday, since she only had 2 days to prepare.

She quickly drove home and ran back up to her appartment and tryed to figure how she was going to afford a dress, shoes, accesories. As well as how to calm her nerves since everyone important would be there. People who made rather large contributions, as well as politicians, and other important members of society. And she had to present the painting. Stress had just smacked her in the face.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

A mess of nerves returned home early, just after lunch, and he got up to find out what the issue was. After hearing her story, or gathering the main points from her stressed out jabbed, he chuckled. “Congratulations, you earned it. I've not tampered with your life yet, so just enjoy it. Relax if you can.”

He brought her a glass of water and asked if she'd sit down and relax a minute. He took the liberty to go into her room, and look through her closet.

“I see your concern. You've no evening dresses. Plenty to look great at a club, but we'll have to find you something truly wonderful. As it turns out ,one of my new associates has procured some funds for me. Let me treat you to a shopping trip this evening?”

He had ideas already as to how make her look like the work of art, and others would ignore the painting they had come to see. She deserved a break though, after hearing she could bond or die, and having him invade her life – it was the least he could do, and it would remind them both why she was so special to be chosen by him.

 

[PaintaPicture]

Gesine took a deep breath and the glass of water he offered her and sat down trying to relax her stressed self. As he walked into her room and took note that she had no dresses she sighed. It was a problem but then his next idea took her by surprise. He wanted to take her out and buy her a new evening dress. She wanted to say no and tell him she could get on herself but she kind of wanted to get something really nice and not just the cheapest thing she could find.

"I'd love that, but how about, since the stores close before sundown, i'll go shopping and surprise you."

She smiled and finnished the glass of water and got up bringing the glass to the kitchen. She walked back over to Garm and kissed him. She didnt really know why she kissed him but she felt the need to, maybe to thank him for wanting to buy her a dress? she wasnt sure.

"I'm gonna change and then head out, if thats okay."

She walked into her room and got out of her nice close and put on a t-shirt and jean shorts fixing her hair into a ponytail. Walking back out she smiled. She wanted to get something that he'd like as well. And she didnt want anything to extravagent or flashy, she usually went with simple things, and cheap jewelry; but this time she wanted something different.

"So whats my limit? I'm gonna get some shoes and jewelry to go with it. I promise i wont get anything to expensive. What do you think would look best on me?"

 

[One Eyed Jack]

Garm smiled at her suggestion, and then even more when she kissed him innocently. She was an interesting creature, to be sure. He had to do some reading online while she was changing, but he was ready to answer all her questions by the time she returned, looking very comfortable.

He handed her a credit card, and laughed at her promise. “My dear Gesine, I do believe we have different idea's of what 'too expensive' is. That card is what I would call small, only a credit limit of $100,000. But, it's all I have until next week or so, so lets say ten thousand? If you see something beyond that that you just MUST have, then by all means, get it, just a ball park figure.”

He pet her cheek at the wide eyed look she gave at his 'limit'. “It's in you name too, and don't worry, it will be paid off off next month.”

He took a step back and examined her, taking in her every detail again. “With your crimson hair, and pale skin tone, go with black, or blue. A forest green would work well too. Gold jewelry, though diamonds would work well on the black. Here,” handing her an address and Google map to a shop he had found. “This place has been running for quite some time, and always carter to a certain crowd. Eat something before you go in though, they greet you with champagne. If they don't have something that screams your name, call me and I'll find another – but I'd be shocked. Actresses going to the Oscars would fuck a rabid chimp to get a dress from them.” He smiled, enjoying truly being able to spoil her for the first time. Wearing truly fine things was often the women's first step toward his world – though this time, he wasn't trying to seduce her into that. He really did just want her to have the best for her presentation.