Pandora's Box (Open - Inquire Within)

[Mister J]

Slipping on his usual pair of sunglasses, a little something he needed to hide his... unusual eyes, he nodded back to her upon noticing the look in her own brilliantly attractive eyes. So he headed after her, but stopped as she halfway mentioned the voices from just moments earlier.

"Well..."

Pithos moved again, stepping past her on his way through the large apartment. His feet carried him swiftly down the hall, out into the open living room, and across to the door. Placing his hand on it, he paused and looked back over his shoulder.

"There are only a select few who can get into my mind, and ever fewer who know about... her."

He turned the handle and opened the large charcoal painted door for her. As she walked through, he put his hand on her back and moved behind her, bringing the door to a close behind him. As he let go, it locked on it's own. That hand slipped down to her waist as they walked down the long, lavish, hallway of the apartment building. Inside the elevator, he pressed the button for the lobby, about 30 or so floors down from their penthouse. Once the doors closed, he continued.

"Of those very few, only three speak in time like that. The Sisters of Fate."

As he spoke the name, the lights in the elevator flickered, the digital floor number jumped down to "3" and then back up to theirs. He looked down at her and nodded, his hand moving up to her shoulder, pulling her a bit closer to him.

"It's fine... nothing to worry on. As they are want to do, they got my attention... and seeing as they can glimpse into the future, I'm sure they knew I'd figure it out too. We won't need to go looking for them... somehow..."

He narrowed his eyes behind those glasses, staring at his reflection in the gold plated interior.

"... we'll bump into them."

For the rest of the ride down he was quiet, thinking on what could be so important to get his attention like that. He hadn't spoke to the Fates since the last time when he was trying to get into Hades' realm. When the doors finally opened with a soft ding, he stepped out, keeping her by his side as the two of them walked through the expansive and equally decorative foyer. People chatting and going about their business gave them subtle glances before going back to whatever they were doing. The hotel concierge offered them a courteous smile and a wave as they passed. Out front, the doorman held the door and tipped his hat to the couple.

With a nod to the man, Pithos turned on the sidewalk and started for the restaurant, still adamant on keeping her close to him. The demon could still feel her unease at the situation. He gently squeezed her shoulder and offered a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry... I won't let anything happen to you... whatever this is... we'll handle it... together."

 

[Mephistophelily]

Pandora frowned slightly as he narrowed down who had invaded their minds, shivering slightly at the idea of them possibly doing it again. They had made her nervous enough before, but to know that they were now prodding around inside their heads that way- it worried her something fierce.

But what could she do on it? Nothing.
So what good did worrying on it bring her? None at all.

She reached up slowly as she watched his reflection in the elevator's mirrored wall, clutching his fingertips. He understood far more than she did on their possible motives. All she knew was that being interrogated like that, in her own head- it was a frightening thing. It had been before, coming from him- and seemed even scarier now, coming from them.

"I just... your old friends, Pithos. They have terrible ways of showing that they've been thinking about you..."

She squeezed his fingers a bit, glancing up as the doors opened.

She trusted him. Even after everything... She trusted him. He had never truly tried to kill her- scare the hell out of her; yes... but even when he first said he hated her, he never truly harmed her. At that time it had been the concerns of their tether. Now, though... Now she saw it as far more than that.

Maybe she was wrong. She doubted that.

She nodded to the man behind the counter as they crossed for the doors, ignoring the glances from others. Another thing she was used to. Even with his glasses, Pithos had... a feeling that came from him. Something unique, something that caused the hairs to raise on necks, shivers down spines. She still got it herself sometimes.

The restaurant wasn't terribly far from the home he had found for them, Dora holding to his fingers still as they walked. The thoughts on the sisters, however, refused to keep away. Why were they looking into them again? Was there something wrong? She'd read enough in her mythology classes- the sisters were never supposed to interfere unless they absolutely had to. Then what was this about?

She glanced up as he squeezed against her, giving a weak smile at his attempt at reasurance. "I know, Pithos...," She replied softly.

Find something new to think about. Something. Anything.

The sound of music poured from the open doors ahead, the little wooden sign resting on the sidewalk proclaiming the band inside. Lemonte's was darker than usual as they stepped inside, candles lining the tables as the overhead lights were turned to nearly off; spotlights set instead on the band playing at the far end of the restaurant. She smiled up at Pithos once again, taking a deep breath as Tony wandered over.

"Good evening, Mister Pithos, Miss Pandora! It's been awhile, no coffees with me lately... Have you been skipping your classes?"

She laughed, shaking her head. "Been a little.. under the weather, Tony. Can we get our usual table?"

"Ahhh, sorry, Miss Dora.... We had to move things a bit... Mister Pithos, we can seat you in one of our corners, over by the band- is this alright?"

She glanced up at him, a slightly nervous look holding for a moment. After earlier... how much change was he willing to accept today?

 

[Mister J]

As their table was mentioned, Pithos followed Tony's gesture towards their usual spot. Then he glanced towards the little dark corner near the band. There was a pause, a slight pull at his lip as if to snarl, but instead, he just smiled and nodded.

"That will have to do then, won't it?"

Even in his acceptance there was an underlying sarcasm. Tony just nodded, giving Pithos a half-hidden look of understanding. The man simply motioned for them to follow him. He didn't bother with a menu, the two of them already knew it by heart. Through the crowded restaurant the three person train wove between tables and past various wait staff, only pausing to let food pass. It steam and sizzled on the trays, carried up high so the scent could find most anyone. It caught Pithos as they walked. His nostrils flared a bit as he took it in. Instinctively, his head moved to follow, eye peering through the glasses to catch that enticing smell.

Then he saw them.

It was a blur at first and he wasn't sure of what he had seen, so much going on in that confined space. But another glance and he was sure of it. The three sisters, a different form than before, but it was them. They were the only ones staring right back at him as if they knew he'd look in their direction just then. Much younger than before, mid 20's maybe. All wore elegant dresses; crimson, navy, and emerald. One color a piece, with accents of the others. But there, between the fingers was the thread. He always hated how they toyed with the thing, twirling and wrapping it around their digits so seemingly carefree.

They nodded to him, but he simply looked away, back towards Dora as she walked before him.

He had his hand on her shoulder the whole time, helping him to keep up in case his eyes wandered like they tend to do... and did.

Finally they had made it to the booth, Pithos let Pandora scoot in first and he slid in next to her, around the table so they could face the interior of the restaurant. It truly was a dark little corner, he knew the other patrons would hardly be able to see them save for the flicker of the candle on their table. A dirty little naughty hint of a thought entered his mind and it made him smirk, but he quickly blinked it away and looked down to the girl.

Pithos debated telling her. She'd worry the whole night if he did... so he decided to keep it to himself. He would wait... for now.

A smile found his lips as he watched the candlelight dance across her face.

He let his hand fall below the table, his palm resting against her thigh, fingers curling down between those pale legs.

"So then, what are we hungry for?"

 

[Mephistophelily]

Pandora gave a thankful glance back as Pithos agreed to the table reluctantly, turning to follow Tony to the new seating. She barely noticed her companion's sudden reaction as she focused instead on the smells of the night's specials passing by and the sound of the warming up band. "Are they taking requests?," She asked Tony softly as he settled them in, smiling again as he nodded.

"Already had a few come in. They should be starting soon. I'll go get you your usual drinks and be right back, alright?"

"Thanks, Tony." She settled back in her seat, glancing over to Pithos as he seemed to survey their surroundings. The curious look on his face- "You're plotting something," She noted softly, frowning a bit as the smile curled his lips and his fingers found her thigh. No real answer. Did she really need one?

Instead, he asked on what she planned to get.

"Your mention of steak at home really got to me. I think I want... A nice Delmonico with onions and mushrooms. Ooh, but the special- did you see that? I wonder what that is. I think I'll ask Tony..." She paused again, glancing up beside them as the stage's lighting changed. "This isn't going to be too loud for you, is it?," She asked softly, peering over her shoulder to him.

Something was up in that head of his, she could see it. What exactly it was, she wasn't sure. As simple as planning his dinner? Perhaps. Something worse? She feared it.

"Good evening, folks... Louie's Little Men here to keep you company. Please, relax, eat, and enjoy." The lead singer's voice was a deep growl into the mic, a trumpet in one hand as he turned to nod to the others with him. Within moments, Jeepers Creepers was beginning, that voice crooning out the tune.

"Love this tune." Tony's reappearance was almost silent thanks to the band, Pandora smiling at him as he handed her the glass of wine. "So what can I get you two?"

 

[Mister J]

"So what can I get you two?"

A blink or two brought the demon back into the conversation, previously lost to the sound of the trumpet and the gravely lyrics being caressed into the mic. Pithos cleared his throat and furrowed his brow a bit.

"Oh, ah.. hmm... well.. Sorry?"

He brought his free hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose, fingers rubbing and pressing before falling away again. Tony repeated his query, giving Pithos an awkward look, but trying hard not to make a show of it. Through his glasses, Pithos noted the glance and sighed. Making an effort to sit up straight, he forced a smirk and finally spoke again.

"The Devil's Food."

Tony nodded.

"The usual then, excellent Mr. Pithos."

Pithos offered a lazy nod in reply, wincing behind the darkly tinted shades as the trumpet blasted another high note. It was awfully loud right next to the band like this. He adjusted in his seat again as Tony went over the special with Pandora and eventually took her order as well. After that, he hurried off to another table and then on to the kitchen. Pithos noted how the man scurried about like a cockroach and it made him smirk a little bit.

Soon enough, the thought was gone, replaced with the relentless blaring of the trumpet yet again. Another wince and Pithos had had enough. He let slip a guttural growl through clenched teeth. He needed a distraction. Otherwise he was going to get them kicked out.. or worse. A glance towards Dora turned his snarl into a devious little grin.

Beneath the table, his hand slid up her thigh, fingers cascading along her porcelain skin. They dipped below the skirt of the dress and curled into her thigh, forcing it open slightly. There was a hesitance in the movement, but eventually she let him have his way... per usual. Those curious fingers rubbed and teased, toyed and stroked against the fabric of her panties. He could feel the plush curves of her lips beneath the cotton, fingertips pressing against them, between and past them. He felt a dampness, his grin curling up ever more.

With a free hand, he lifted the small glass of English Harbor to his lips and sipped generously before leaning over to whisper against the warm flesh of her ear. His wet lips grazed her skin as he spoke.

"What's this? Dripping already? Such a dirty girl... and in front of all these people no less..."

He took his hand back and brought it back up to rest on the table, his other brought the glass to his lips for another slow swig.

With that ever present smirk, he continued to whisper into her ear, close enough so the music would drown out his words.

"Slide off your panties... and put them in my lap."

At the tail end of the command, his tongue slipped out and trailed the length of her ear, lingering on her flesh a moment before he nibbled her earlobe and pulled away to sit upright again a smug look fresh across his features.

Suddenly the music didn't seem so bad.

 

[Mephistophelily]

Though her companion's interest in the music was never there, Pandora was enjoying it. Her eyes closed, she slowly rocked her head back and forth, smiling as her fingers danced against the table. Tony had offered to get her the night's special, and their drinks were quickly placed before them. She gave a nod and smile, sipping it before going back to her little music method.

But Pithos decided to do a dance of his own... Her little motions stopped abruptly as he reached against her thigh, the muscles tightening slightly to try and keep him from going further. His own digits gripped, tugging and demanding she release. Biting her lip, she picked her drink back up, glancing at him with one of those looks. He didn't seem to care at all. When did he ever? That same little smirk, as though he was finally enjoying himself- and not from the music. She swallowed down her alcohol, setting the glass back down and giving in to his grasp.

And there it went. She gave in, he went with gusto. Entertainment of his own making. Pandora closed her eyes again, her back pressing against the booth as she drew in a gentle breath. This corner was too dark. He loved being in the shadows... This was only encouraging him... She tried to fight the whimper that burned in her throat as he pushed his fingers against her, teasing and tracing a taunting mark along her sex. A tiny moan left her lips, thankful for the sudden trumpet solo that sounded out beside them.

He took advantage too, leaning in to whisper. She reddened at his words, trying to keep her eyes focused on her drink. Her ice was melting, the droplets of condensation running down the grooves of the glass. Dripping... She whimpered again, biting onto her lip and peeking up to the crowded place.

His request caused a slight gasp, Pandora gripping onto the booth's edge and trying to shake her head. "Here? N-No, not..."

Oh god, that tongue of his. her eyes drifted closed once more, whimpering as he nibbled, as though his touch sealed it. It did, didn't it... She just gave a little nod, reaching over for her napkin with shaking fingers. Placing it in her lap, she worked around beneath it, pushing her panties down through the fabric of her dress before flicking the napkin from her lap. Stooping under to fetch it, she also removed the panties the rest of the way, tucking them into the napkin and settling the small package into his lap as she sat up.

Another little sigh, a glance around the room. She felt warm, unbelievably warm. With everything he had ever done to her, this was the thing that made her suddenly so uncomfortable? No.. it was more fear on what he had planned next. She knew that mind of his. This was simply a start.

The worst part was...
She wanted more. As worried as she was... She wanted him to keep going.

 

[Mister J]

For an moment, the demon glanced around the noisy little restaurant. Everyone was busy with their own conversations. Chattering like fools, flirting, or negotiating. All these people had their own lives to contend with, their own tables to worry about. No one paid them much attention at all. Humans never did mind their surroundings. They wouldn't see danger coming unless it stopped and flagged them down first. Well, most of them anyway. He rolled his black and red eyes behind those darkly tinted glasses.

Then his attention shifted back to Pandora, squirming uncomfortably in her seat. His lip rose into a grin and he lifted the flap of the napkin up a bit to see her panties sitting there in his lap. He simply nodded, pretending to be unimpressed. With a touch of his finger, the small bit of fabric quivered, melted into a shiny black ooze, and melded with his sleeve. She should have known she wouldn't be getting them back. He did enjoy the fact that he made her pull them down like that when all it would have taken was a thought and they'd be gone. It was the control he enjoyed, the power over her.

"Now, my lovely girl..."

He set the napkin back up on the table, took another sip from his glass, and leaned in close again. His words seemed to crawl off of his tongue, slow and deliberate.

"Rub yourself, in front of all these people. No need to make a show, just... play a little."

He couldn't help but smirk yet again as he licked up her cheek and pulled away. His hand lifted up and his arm snaked around her shoulders, fingers falling down to give her an encouraging squeeze before she started.

His eyes wandered the room again. Still, no one paid them any attention. Busy with their own meandering lives it seemed. Maybe he would give them something to watch. An entertaining thought, but this was Pandora's favorite restaurant. He'd hate to do anything to get them banned like the last place. No, he couldn't do that to her again. He wondered if she had forgiven him for that? Maybe, maybe not.

Another glance was given towards her lap, another squeeze against her shoulder.

"Go on now, girl. Make me proud."

 

[Mephistophelily]

Pandora wanted her drink terribly. Something to cover up the redness that was still lingering on her cheeks, something to help cool her warm skin. The most she managed was to put her fingers against the glass before he was against her ear again, the whispering purr into her mind with his demand.

She shuddered softly, closing her eyes. "Pithos, please...," She whispered in response, shyly taking her hand from the glass. Cool condensation lingered on her fingers, the wetness pressed against her forehead as she tried to shake her head. "Please, I- I can't, not... not right..."

He said nothing, merely a smirk and a reaffirming grip upon her shoulder. She whimpered softly, fingertips still pressed against her temple as she peered around the room nervously. Tony was still in the kitchen, the other patrons enveloped in their own talks and the dim lighting that they barely seemed to register there were others surrounding them.

"I-" A hesitant start that never reached a finish as he squeezed again, that devious growl of encouragement given to her ear once more.

Pandora gave a tiny pitiful noise, slowly sliding her hand back beneath the table. The hem of her dress was short enough, merely lifting and stretching a leg caused it to roll up nearly past her hip. Her palm slipped between her thighs, fingers gently running against her moistened sex. A little gasp, muffled slightly as she bit down, teasing a bit more, her thighs parting a tad further. Her free hand reached over suddenly, clamping down hard on her companion's thigh with a rather firm grasp. She closed her eyes, trying to ignore the band, the people, everything- just focusing on what he had requested, what she was doing, how good it felt even with her surroundings.

"Please let me stop," She whispered out, though her hand remained set in its ways beneath the table. "Please- I- I don't want to make myself do that here, not with Tony around, not with- with all these people... Please, don't make me do that to myself..."

 

[Mister J]

"Do... that?... That?"

The hushed words barely met her ear against the noise of the place. His lip pulled back into a half-snarl, that smirk still fighting for dominance. His free hand slipped down and wrestled hers from his thigh. He jerked the hand down between his legs and rubbed it flush against the strained fabric. Her palm running against his contained shaft. Pithos leaned in again, his words a hissing whisper.

"Don't play coy with me, girl... I know what you've done... I've gone swimming in the dark pool of your mind."

He pushed her hand, grinding it against him, letting her feel him throb against her.

"I know what you are."

A smirk curled his lips unnaturally and showed the curved, sharp teeth behind them. His glasses tipped down to the end of his nose, those dark eyes staring right through her, the red orbs floating in darkness, piercing into her mind.

"... and I know what you want."

He shoved her hand back and grinned smugly.

"But you can't have it until you do... that."

Finally, the demon leaned back and away from her and pushed his glasses back up with two fingers. Pithos' next words came through in her mind, close and personal.

You don't get to be innocent anymore. Now stop stalling and make a nice dripping mess between your legs... or I'll do it for you.

 

[Mephistophelily]

"Pithos, please...," Pandora whimpered again, hesitating a brief moment as he hissed into her ear. She stopped abruptly in her seat, turning her head enough to glare at him. Not a look out of anger or fear, but... more a look of contempt. A glare on being called out on her act.

"Bastard," She hissed under her breath, taking a momentary glance around the restaurant. She was still worried on making a scene for Tony, that much was true- but he was right as well, the actions she had gone through already had caused an ache inside her, one that didn't care at all on where she was right now. It simply wanted to be quenched, no cares given on what may come of it.

The feel of his arousal remained firmly on her mind as she slowly drew her free hand back up onto the table after he tossed it aside. Those fingertips dug into the tablecloth as the other hand pressed its digits against her flesh, her own wet warmth surrounding her fingers as she played. A little whimper came to her throat, her hips rocking toward them as she closed her eyes. The band seemed to grow louder now, a thing she was thankful for- she had caught sight of Tony a few minutes ago, and certainly didn't want him to notice one of his regulars behaving oddly in the corner of his restaurant.

Her hand wasn't good enough, but it was to make due. She had touched what she wanted, and was still fuming over not being allowed it before. That part of her that ached for more was a demanding selfish thing. It wasn't happy to settle... It wanted more. It wanted Pithos... and his tease hadn't helped matters in the least. The thickness that had been wrapped by her palm, the forceful grind he had given her- it all lingered well, and drove Pandora now as her lips tightened, her delving fingers more urgent.

She quickly buried her head into his shoulder, burying her lips into his coat as she cried out, the trumpet player blaring out his solo as Pandora shuddered down into the booth.