darkest night

[poohlive]

Red shook his head, backing away with his hands up, "Nu huh, even I'm not stupid enough to give someone a whole bottle on their own, especially with how she acted earlier. She grabbed it herself, drowning it slowly after lunch. I thought some food inside her first might help, but it doesn't look like it helped much at all."
She simply laid there, his breathing short, raspy. It gave him a feeling as if she weren't breathing at all. He didn't like that, he wanted someone in here to help her.
(did you get a pm? I got one from her)

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

OOC to poohlive and all:

honnie has PM'ed me too and asked that she be replaced. I forwarded it to you before I read your post pooh.

She said that she's fallen off her Harley so I doubt that she'll return. It's too bad as I, for one, was really enjoying the story.

pooh, let's bump it a few times to keep it near the top of the board and see if a female writer wishes to come on in and take Leona's role. What do you think "Red"? *s

To All fem writers: Care to fill Leona's role in the story? honnie has provided a base on which a good writer and rp'er can build.
Hope to see one take the role.

 

[poohlive]

That is a shame, I was just starting to have fun.
I always thought this was a great place for a few female characters, the dancers, as well as Leona, and anyone else who happened to drop in. Men... one never needs to look that hard to find more men. I would say let us get more women first, otherwise this turns into one of "those" stories. hee hee.
If anyone feels interested, come on in. We don't bite.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

OOC to any interested:

Well ladies No Name and Red are in Leona's place waiting. Do come and join us why don't you?

 

[honnie]

honnie wishes to thank everyone for the contributions, she says she is sorry she cannot return. please continute. Have fun and she sends her kisses and loves to all.

From a friend of honnies.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

OOC:

If you see this "honnie's friend" please tell her that she's missed and I hope that all's well and she's happy.

 

[honnie]

Leona's Back

After a long recovery from an accident, I have finally become able to come back to work. Due to wounderful friends and employees, the Tavern stayed alive.

It's my first night back in months. I was afraid of seeing everyone. It had been so long, would I remember how to be a boos and owner of the tavern. Only time would tell.

I arrived early, went to my office. Standing there looking at the room, desk, pictures, it was if I never left. Twinges went through my body like ripples on the water.

I went around the desk, feeling the wood draggin my hand softly as if I was sailing across smooth seas waiting to be caressed by romance.

I sat in the chair. Nothing was any different than when I left. I pondered over that last few months and how my life had changed. Would I ever get back moments I missed. I was hoping that everyone would return, just like the old days. I can't wait to regain my life, my friends, customers and co-workers.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

No Name:

"Well, well look what the cat dragged in. It's about time that you stopped screwing off and go back here you know.
"No more binge drinking ya hear me. I hate working that hard," he say with his charateristic grin and sarcastic humor.

He been, with Red's help, running the bar since the "mishap". None of the others, dancers or customers, had a clue why she'd been gone. They were all told it was personal business and we were running the place for her until she returned again. None knew that she'd had to go to a hospital and then to a convalescent place for several weeks to be sure she was okay.

Running the bar had kept us both from visiting as often as we'd have liked, but we made it several times a week and I called every day to harass and cheer her up when I couldn't do it in person. There was only one Lee and I wasn't about to let her down or lose her.. again.

"By the way, Black Death sends his regards and wants to know when that sweet ass is gonna fork the seat again."

 

[poohlive]

Red waved at the man, as the truck backed up toward the building. He held open the back doors, watching as it etched ever closer. The man stopped a few feet away, getting out to open the back up.
Inside were boxes upon boxes of booze.
"Thank God, we were running dry. I thought we would have to water down the watered down shit for tonight."
"Sorry about that," The driver, a man in his near forties with a bald head helped him unload the liquor. Beer, in cans, bottles, and on tap all came in. Whiskey, vodka, vermouth, an assortment of both harder and softer drinks. Syrups to make things taste better, a bunch of fruit when the occasion called for it.
It took them both a good half hour to put it all in the back. When they had finally finished, Red had made up a good sweat for himself.
"Thanks for all this. You want a beer or something?"
"No," the man passed, holding out some papers for Red to sign, "I've got one more run, and if I hurry, I can get home to see my wife tonight. That'd be something."
Red nodded, understanding the man and his lonely job on the open road. Getting home to the woman would be a nice thing to happen.
"All right, thanks again."
They said goodbyes, and Red came in to begin organizing all of their new stock. It was going to be a long day, he knew that as he picked up a case of Coors.

 

[honnie]

I was so excited to see Red, I gave him a big hug.

"Thanks, you're the greatest. I think I'll keep ya around for a while. So don't make plans to leave anytime soon... by the way, you're lookin mighty sharp. Been working out?"

As he was bring in the stock, I couldn't help but notice his biseps, and his back, butt and legs. He had grown since I was gone. And his smile rekindled my spark.

"My dear friend, so Black Death needs me hu? What about you?"

I walked over and embraced him, and began to cry.

"I missed this place. Everyday I thought about come back, and what it would be like when I did. But things have to be different, I did some some soul searching while away and I need to focus on this place and get back where ti need to be. I need to regain myself and why I'm here. I really like having you in my life, but...

I... I need..."

I couldn't get the words out. I wanted more from myself that I could give to anyone else right now. But how do I tell him without hurting him and killing what we had? I caressed his face, looked into his eyes, kissed him on the cheek. I didn't know what wanted at that moment. I droped my hands and began to sob.

"Im sorry, I need to go." I ran to my office, shut the door, and stood there in pain, for I just knew I hurt him. But I can't feel for him, when I feel for another. But ai still needed him, he gave me what no other has or ever will.

Oh, what to do? I'm so confused.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

No Name:

I wait silently and listen then watch as Lee bolts for the office door and shuts it.

The pain is there again. It's been years since I felt it last, but even the familiarity with it doesn't lessen the hurt.

"Red, I'll be back when it gets busy. I have to get some air. I'm gonna go for a ride. Pehaps some time 'in the wind' will help me think.
"I'll be back in a couple of hours. Won't leave you in a lurch. My word on it and I never lie bro."

Without another word I go behind the bar, pull on my leather jacket and push two tall bottles of beer in the pockets. Then it's out the back door and onto Black Death.

Two kicks and the engine roars to life. The kick stand is booted into place and with a tap of my toe I'm in first gear and we're launched down the alley with both pipes roaring and echoing off the alley's walls. In three minutes or less I'm doing the century mark out of town on one of the two lane state roads leading away from Lee and the pain, but I made a promise so I'll be back again.

As the wind rushes at me and blows my long hair back, I think back years ago and then to the couple of days we shared before her collapse.

I remember what she just said and the ache grows as I twist the throttle and pass the 100 MPH mark hoping the rushing wind will blow away the pain.

 

[poohlive]

Red stood there against the closed door. His hand upon it, like some force were blocking them from something. What had just happened? He had been overjoyed at the presence of Lee coming back, she seemed just like her old self all those months ago.
They both left within minutes of each other.
Something made them leave.
Red shook his head. It was a personal problem, old pain coming back or just undeniable truth that one of them just couldn't part with. Something, or someone.
Red leaned against the door, "I'm glad to see you back again."
He left, to finish the stock, and tidy the place up for tonight. Business would be booming, and standing around wouldn't change that much.

 

[honnie]

I knew that I caused pain for him, but I have had so many questions filtering through my brain these past few months, I don't know what to do. I can't go back to my old life, as much as I want to, I just can't.

How do I tell him that I really do love him without hurting him. My life has changed so much in just 3 months, I am confused. My feeling for another began before he came back. Seeing again after all those years rekindled old love affairs and lust that I will never forget. But...How can I love both of them.

I heard Red say he was glad I was back. I so badly wanted to open the door, but I didn't want him to see me in this state. I fixed my face and hair, returned to the bar. Red was putting everything away for tonight. I couldn't help myself from watching him work so hard. My knees began to shake, and a sharp twinge attacked me. Oh my god not now, not here.

"Red, pour me a drink, a small one. I need to get my nerves together before to night."

He just stood there and stared at me. I knew exactly what he was going to say after what I had been through.

"Don't look at me that way, I just want a little one. Just to smooth the rough edges."

My nerves were more that on edge. I had to face my love when he returns. I need to explain to him what I'm feeling. Oh how I lust for both of them. If only...

Just then I heard a bike, I was terrified, I wasn't ready to face him yet. Then I realized it was just passing by.

"Red, where's my drink? I'll be in my office, please bring it to me."

I went back to my office quickly, I almost ran. I left the door open for Red. When I saw myself in the mirror, I was a reck, I needed to change. I still had all my dance dresses here, and decided to were my favorite one tonight. I'll suprise everyone. I will make my come back. I will ...

I heard Red coming and hurried over to my desk. I leaned back in my chair and tried to look like nothing was wrong.

 

[poohlive]

Red passed through the open door with a glass of vodka. One look at her made him almost wince. He could see she had changed since the accident. It wasn't noticable much, just subtle little things one had to know if they were friends with her before. He saw it.
She had gone through a lot, and surprised even him. He hadn't been sure if she would even walk again, let alone be sitting here now ready to work.
"Here you are," He placed it on her desk, "It's not watered down, just the way you like it."
He stood at the edge of the desk, one of his fingers lightly playing at it's corner.
"How are you feeling? You were all smiles earlier, but now..." He almost didn't want to point out her outburst just before, or the way her hands shoo just slightly as she reached for the drink.
"Is everything ok? I know this is your first day back, and we don't expect you to do much. Just sit back and watch the money pour in, you know?"
He gave her a bit of a smile, hoping she would do the same.

 

[honnie]

I was so upset, that my hands were shaking. Red gave me a smile, which made me melt. I gave him a smile, and told him I'd be ok, if he answered a question.

"Do you like it here Red? Is there anything you need or want from me? Can I... do anything to you...I mean for you?"

A slip of words made the pit of my stomach explode and the twinge below grew stronger. The only thing I could do was go to my knees.

"Oh god Im so confused Red, I don't know what has happened to me. I have hurt the one man that has ever cared for me in years... and yet I have feelings for another as well."

I was shaken and stired. Stired right up to the brink of needing just plain hard, sweatty sex. And yet my body was fighting the lust I have in my heart. Could I really love another without hurting my best friend?

 

[poohlive]

Red let his hand go through her hair in a gentle, soothing manner. He felt for her pain right then, not just physical as of late, but emotional now too. That's what has been going on. It made sense why he left, and why she was now on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
He held her close to him, "I don't want to tell you what to do, but you know I'm always good for advice. This is about love, and when love is concerned, I think you should follow your heart. It might hurt a few people, including him, but you are looking for your happiness, right? Don't sacrifice your own happiness to make others happy."
Red sort of shook that off, understanding there was more than just love involved, "But there's also a past relationship at hand. From what I've seen he has always made you happy, until now. Something must be really important to change that. I think you have an answer already, you just need someone to help you rationalize it."
He kissed her forehead, giving her a warm comforting smile, "You know me, I'll always stick up for you, no matter what. Do you need another drink?"

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

No Name:

I raced down the road and finally stopped at a rest area to have a smoke and drink the two beers I'd brought with me.

'Well if that's the way Lee wants it to be I care too much to be a problem for her.
'I'll stick around until she's got someone she can trust to bounce and bartend for her and then I guess it's back in the wind to see where the road takes me,' he thinks as he finishes off the last bottle of beer.

They're tossed into the trash container and No Name takes a piss behind a tree before forking Black Death again to return to keep his promise to Red.

The pace is more sedate this time, only in the 80's instead of over the centry mark, so it takes a bit longer to get back to Lenona's again.

As he reaches the mouth of the alley No Name kills the engine and coasts up to park at the back door. He dismounts and goes inside, but doesn't see Red or Lee behind the bar. He takes over for the regular who was helping out and is told, "The kid went into the back and asked me to watch things."

"Thanks Sarge," he says to the retired Army sargent and gives him two drinks free for his trouble.

 

[honnie]

I didn't realize what was happening to me until Red talked to me. It made perfect sense. I knew all along in my heart who I wanted. Now I just needed to complete the circle.

"No Red, I'm fine. Really, I am. No more drinks to smooth over pain, drinks are for social hour and fun. And we are going to have fun tonight. Yes sir, we are. Thank you."

I leaned into him and planted one him.

"You know I have always wanted to do that." I caressed his arm, slapped his butt, smiled and went to my dresses. I didn't wait to see his expression.

"Red do me a favor, if he is back will you send him in here. Thanks, you're a pal."

I was going over in my mind what to say to him. The hurt I caused may not just need an appology. But I have to let him know that he will always be in my heart. Our past will always be there. Our memories will always be ours.

I continued to pick out what I was going to wear at tonights gala. But looking at them, I changed my mind several times. Not only did I have to talk to him, but now a distressed closet of gowns and dresses. Ah ha, here it is. This is it. I refreshed my makeup and plugged in the curling iron in to add some curl, when I heard laughter. I knew that I had to hurry, the customers were arriving.

I waited to change after I saw him. I didn't want him to see until I came out. Oh how I hope he comes soon.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

No Name:

Red comes from the back and joins me behind the bar. He says quietly, " Leona wants to see you."

" 'K, thanks," I say as I dry my hands and head for the office. Since how things were just before my ride I knocked on the door instead of just walking in as I would normally have done.

 

[honnie]

The knock on the door, startled me a bit. Nerves I guess. As I opened it, I smiled...

"You don't need to knock."

I took him by the hand and led him over to the desk. He was tense. To tense. I knew that I had a lot of explaining to do.

"Well, you might not want to hear this, but you're going to anyway...

You mean a lot to me, you know that don't you? You really do."

I smiled at him, with my usual smile, and he just stood there with the look of death. The pit of my stomach went right up to my eyes. I so badly want some response. But nothing.

"OK, then just listen. Allot of emotions, fears and... well I have had to some soul searching, to figure out what and who I want in my life. I'm not getting any younger. I..."

I looked him in the eyes, reached for his face. "I want you! You're my best friend, and have been for ever, even though we have been apart, we're together...arn't we?"

Th pit was getting deeper, and finally it went downward again. My first thought was not now, not here. I didn't want anyone to know that there was a problem. Only this time it passed quickly, so no explination was necessary.

"Say something, please"

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

No Name:

"I searched for you for three years Lee.
"We'll always be connected. We'll always be one.
"I know you want the kid. I'll leave without making any trouble. I care about you that much.
"Better to leave and let you have what you want.
"If you ever need me leave a message at the Boot Hill Saloon in Daytona Beach and I'll get it and come back.
"Goodbye my Lee. Be happy," he says very slowly, very quietly then turns for the door.

 

[honnie]

"NO! don't leave, I want you in my life. I need you! You make me whole. Please...stay...don't leave. You are a part of me, and this place won't be the same and nither will I... please?"

I couldn't beleive my ears, I was stunned and very speechless. I took his hand in mine tight. I wan't about to let go.

"Please don't go, if you have to leave to think, please wait till tomarrow. If nothing else stay to help Red and mingle with the guests, if not me. You'll be missed, everyone is exspection all of us tonight."

As he stood there in pain, I caress his chest, moving my hand downward; I licked my lips and smiled. "Please?"

My greatest fear would be him leaving me.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

No Name:

"For you Leona," he says as he stands tall and solid as an old oak and just as expressionless. All but his eyes, those eyes that can dance with laugher, gleam with unbridled passion, can be cold and hard when he's angry now just look sad, so very sad.

 

[honnie]

He didn't sound convincing, so I continued downward and found his pleasure spot.

"What does he want you to do?"

I wanted so badly to make love to him right there, but the quests were here and I wasn't ready. I walked over to the closets and begun to undress. He was still standing there. I went over to curl my hair, and finish getting ready. I turned around...he was gone.

AS I slipped on my nylons and dress. My thoughts were of him caressing my sholders, back and neck. I could smell him even thought he wasn't there. I continued to dress to kill, in hopes it would kill the tension between us.

 

[honnie]

I walked to the door, took a deep breath and went to see my customers. As I approched the center, I saw him, his rough exterior wea so inviting. I smiled, winked and greated my quests.

"Welcome everyone! " I motioned to the dance team to begin. The music began. I walked over to him, in hopes to see that gleam that turns me on.

" HI"