So I'm Dating a Murderer ~Closed~

[fr33ks33k]

He looked at her with an open stare. Her question was sudden, and he didn't know how to respond right away. He glanced at the preview playing on the screen, distracting himself from answering.

"I couldn't tell you that. Even if you never told, I would be paranoid that you did. Bad news all around. I will tell you this. They weren't hidden, so much as disposed of."

He moved on the couch, shifting position to be more comfortable. In the process, he ended up with his arm resting along the back of the couch, right behind Stephanie's shoulders. He'd propped his feet up on the coffee table, though thankfully they didn't obscure the view of the screen.

 

[princesssexci]

Stephanie pouted but didn't say anything. She wasn't asking because she would tell anyone, she was just flat out curious. However, she had to respect his wishes. Besides, he'd given her sort of a little hint of what he did with the bodies.

Stephanie wasn't really even sure how to comment on that tid bit of information. 'Cool' or 'awesome' just seemed mean or uncaring or something; sort of..heartless. The commercials droned on and on and they were commercials for old movies anyways so she continued asking questions.

"Are you gonna...continue...ya know..." her voice trailed off. It was hard to think of your boyfriend being a killer. "Just so...I know what to expect." she added quickly.

 

[fr33ks33k]

"I can't imagine that I would. A project of that magnitude takes lots of focus, and with my focus being on you....I wouldn't be able to devote the proper time to it. Though, I don't feel the need to find a new project. It's part of the reason I'm here. I had considered putting you in the past, moving on. I found that I couldn't."

As he finished, the movie's opening credits began to roll. It was actually among Craig's list of favorite movies, and his rapt expression showed as much.

 

[princesssexci]

Stephanie found herself smiling at his words. To be honest, she was going to do the same thing, forget about Craig and move on or at least attempt to. For a moment, she only stared at him with a little smile on her face before turning back to her pancakes.

The movie started right after Craig had finished his comment. Luckily, this was a movie worth watching. Stephanie adored Tom Hanks in this movie, then again she adored Tom Hanks period.

After finishing her food, she leaned against the couch, laying her head on Craigs shoulder as she watched the movie. She was finally starting to feel like her life was going right.

 

[fr33ks33k]

As the movie continued, Craig's hand idly toyed with Stephanie's hair, twirling a strand around his index finger before letting it unwind. Her head on his shoulder felt nice, intimate. Though his eyes were glued to the television screen, his thoughts wandered.

He felt at ease here; it was the opposite of the tension they created with their sexual energies...it was a nice feeling. Something he'd never really bothered to try and find after he'd begun his 'projects'. His lips turned up, a soft smile he was not entirely aware of as they continued to cuddle on the couch.

 

[princesssexci]

The next few weeks had been perfect, at least in her eyes. Stephanie and Craig really got along. Now, it was time to get Tanya to see the light. Yes, he was a killer...or at least, a previous one. There were times during their more intimate moments that Stephanie did get a tad bit scared that he might revert back into a killer and kill her.

He hadn't though and really, part of her thought that he might even enjoy scaring her just a bit.

Today was the day though, they'd been dating for at least 3 weeks now and Tanya still disliked him with a passion. She'd invited them both out to lunch hoping to ease the two into a friendly relationship or at least, tolerate one another. Stephanie didn't even think Tanya could tolerate him.

Her bruises that were on her legs and wrists were starting to lighten up a bit, going from a dark purple to a lighter purple. She figured it was safe enough to wear a skirt. After all, it would look rather ridiculous to go out wearing a pair of sweat pants and long sleeved blouse when it was 75 degrees out.

She quickly text Tanya and Craig, telling them to meet her at the cafe down the road from her house. The one she and Craig had gone to on their first date. They served lunch items during the day. Once she got an okay from both of them, she walked down there herself.

Tanya walked in about the same time as Craig did. She eyed him up and down with that look of discontent as she took a seat next to Stephanie so that the only seat left for Craig was across from Stephanie and her.

"Craig.." Came Tanya's cold greeting.

"Come on, Tanya. Remember, we talked about this last night. You're going to be nice today."

Tanya only rolled her eyes as she grabbed the menu and looked it over, not bothering to apologize to Craig for her rude greeting. "It could've been asshole." was her only response.

 

[fr33ks33k]

"Hi Steph, hello Tanya...."

Craig glowered at Tanya for a few moments, but let it go. He sat down opposite the two of them, eyes fixed on Stephanie, a smile crossing his lips.

He glanced at the menu, choosing something quickly before looking up at the two women.

"Tanya, I don't understand why you don't like me. I don't recall doing anything to slight you..."

 

[princesssexci]

Just as Tanya was getting ready to answer with a smart ass remark, her eyes caught sight of the light bruise on Stephanie's wrist as Steph reached for her own menu and ordered a roast beef sandwhich and an iced tea. Tanya grabbed her wrist, observing the marking. "What happened here? What did he do to you?" She glared at Craig before returning her attention to Stephanie.

"Nothing!" Stephanie insisted, "I..was cutting something and I accidently cut my wrist. Jeez, Tanya. Can you let go?"

Tanya sighed and released her wrist. "Doesn't even look like a cut mark Steph..." she grumbled, still eying Craig suspiciously. "Anyways, the reason i don't like you...I don't really trust you. Tell me, what happened to your former girlfriends that you picked up at the speed dating hall huh?" She turned to order her turkey and swiss sandwhich and some soda.

 

[fr33ks33k]

"Things didn't work out, so we went our separate ways."

His eyes glanced down at the bruise that stubbornly persisted on Stephanie's wrist. In a way he regretted doing such harmful things to her, but he quickly dismissed that. She had enjoyed every moment of it, even the fearful ones.

He stared directly into Tanya's eyes, not menacingly, more imploringly.

"It's not unheard of for a man to have bad luck with women, and to finally have something go right for a change. I assure you, I'm not a bad guy. I've just had....troubles. I would think that someone who runs a place like that would understand these things..."

 

[princesssexci]

Stephanie saw the brief look of regret on Craig's eyes and wanted to throttle Tanya for that. In a way to comfort him, she placed her hand over his as if saying 'its okay'. She gently squeezed his hand in another motion of comfort. This wasn't going quite as Stephanie was hoping it would. She hadn't expected Tanya to be so...observant and she'd thought that she'd be able to wear short sleeves without anything.

For a moment, Tanya felt slightly embarrassed because that was the whole purpose of Stephanie going there, because she'd always had a hard time finding the right guy...except Tanya hadn't believed she'd actually find the right guy there...just a quick fuck. In fact, she thought that Craig would be just that...a quick fuck.

Not only that, she still didn't trust him. Call it paranoia or call it woman's intuition but she did not trust him. "And so you went to a speed dating hall? I mean, if it didn't work the first two times...I personally would have given up."

"Tanya...." Stephanie groaned but Tanya ignored.

"I mean, Stephs a great girl don't get me wrong but...I'm gonna be honest. I didn't actually think she'd find mister right at a speed dating hall, just mister right now."

And this was whom Stephanei called her best friend. Stephanei bit back another groan of embarrassment thinking this had probably been a terrible idea.

 

[fr33ks33k]

"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Or so I've heard. I thought the purpose of a speed dating hall was to try and find a connection. The random nature of it makes it possible to try again if the first or even seventh attempt doesn't work out. Sure, it might seem desperate to some, but you should certainly see the other side of things...being the proprietor of such a place.

On the matter of finding "Mr. Right Now," isn't that a bit shallow of a goal for taking your friend to a place like that? It's a last outlet for some, a place of last chances, and you've made that a cheap hook-up line."

He shook his head, his hand beneath Stephanie's, turning over to hold her hand palm to palm, fingers curling with hers. He'd been raising his voice, but calmed himself in his pause.

 

[princesssexci]

Tanya was silent as the food finally came to the table. She was really thankful, because he was right. She did make it into a cheap hook up line. Except, she didn't choose people to come off the streets and be there. Some losers actually did that. She took a bite of her sandwhich refusing to acknowledge what he said and glanced over at Stephanie's wrist again.

Still, even if he was right...she did not trust him. Not in the slightest bit. It was probably paranoia, after all Stephanie seemed really happy with him. Happier than when she'd set up blind dates for her.

"Okay...soooo next topic huh?" Stephanie the oh so optimistic girl said. It was obvious to Stephanie that both her new boyfriend and her best friend were trying to calm down. "How about instead of lashing out at one another..." She was mainly referring to Tanya, "you guys get to know each other."

Tanya just shrugged, still refusing to say anything.

 

[fr33ks33k]

"I think I know all I need to about Tanya. If she is going to be so hostile without merit, then I don't think I feel comfortable sharing any information with her anyway."

Craig removed his hand from Stephanie's, only so he could eat. The meal was silent until Craig looked up at Stephanie to ask something.

"Have you found a publisher you like yet? I know you said there were a few options, but you hadn't decided which was the better route to go..."

 

[princesssexci]

Tanya glared at Craig but still refused to answer. She'd find something against him...eventually. Those looks he'd given her the first time she'd met up with them on one of their first dates still locked itself safely in her head, the smug look as if he'd won something.

No, there was definitely something not right about him and she would find out...eventually.

Stephanie nodded, "I have actually. Simon and Schuster publishing. They seemed like a good one to choose. What do you think?" Stephanie asked, before noticing Tanya's questioning gaze. She would've told her he was an editor but knowing Tanya's smart ass mouth, she would say that was the reason she was dating him, which it wasn't.

Clearing her throat, Tanya responded "Really? Thats great! I knew you'd make it big time."

 

[fr33ks33k]

"Sounds like a good choice to me. I've heard nothing but good things about them. I'm glad you're finally seeing some reward for your hard work."

Craig smiled at Stephanie, eyes flicking to Tanya. There was a bit of territorial misgivings in those few glances, but his main focus was Steph.

His food was mostly gone, and thankfully the waiter came to take their plates, asking if they wanted any dessert.

"What do you think Steph? Got a sweet tooth today?"

Another subtle acidic glance at Tanya, but all smiles if one should look again.

 

[princesssexci]

Stephanie smiled at Craigs comment. "Yeah, do you know how many authors they've published who happen to be some of my favorites. It's really exciting. I'm sort of nervous. I just hope people will enjoy my book."

She finished her sandwhich and so did Tanya. When Tanya glanced over at Craig, it almost appeared as if he were glaring at her. She took a second look and...he was smiling. Maybe, she was overreacting or seeing things. No, no...her mother always told her to trust her first judgement that had definitely been an acidic glare.

"Hm, I do have a sweet tooth actually." Stephanie said, totally oblivious to Tanya's conflict and Craig's acidic look at her best friend. "How about an ice cream sundae? We could share." She suggested. "Tanya, you gonna get anything."

And instantly, Tanya felt sick to her stomach. Part of her wanted to say, Nope, just lost my appetite. Instead, she said " Sure, I'll have a lemon square please."

 

[fr33ks33k]

"Sounds good to me."

Craig turned the entirety of his attention to Stephanie. Tanya was beneath his interest now. She was another trouble to take care of....but he'd have to be extremely careful about it now.

The waiter left to retrieve their desserts and Craig held Steph's hand once more, toying with her soft skin, teasing her fingertips with gentle touches, tickling her palm.

The whole time, Craig was plotting. This wasn't something he would tolerate. Not at all...

 

[princesssexci]

Stephanie was in a world of her own with Craig and it was easy to forget Tanya was there since she hadn't spoken much since Tanya and Craig's argument. She giggled as his finger tips trailed along her palm and fingertips in a teasing manner.

Tanya cleared her throat, "You know, if you guys want me to leave...I can go." she growled. She was seriously getting sick to her stomach. She didn't even think Stephanie could get that nauseatingly sweet. They used to joke about couples like that!

Even Tanya and her own boyfriend didn't get so...disgustingly romantic. It was sickening.

"Hm?" Stephanie said, coming back to the real world. She blushed, "Oh, sorry Tanya..." It was then that the waiter came back with their desserts. When the waiter set their desserts down on the table, Stephanie grinned at Craig and began feeding him some ice cream.

Tanya groaned, "Oh dear god, kill me now..." she muttered quietly, not realizing Craig could hear her.

 

[fr33ks33k]

Craig's ears perked at Tanya's muttering.

"If only, you nosy vindictive little bitch..." he thought to himself as he accepted a spoonful of ice cream, scooping up a bit to return the favor. He smiled extra wide while they exchanged scoops of their dessert. Tanya seemed not to be in the mood for sweets, though.

"How's your lemon bar, Tanya?"

His voice was even, though an ephemeral rudeness existed.

 

[princesssexci]

Tanya glanced over at Craig and then looked down at her untouched lemon bar. She gingerly picked it up and took a bite. "It's delicious." She said, with her own saccharine smile. She brushed her dark brown hair out of her eyes as she watched the couple share their dessert.

Stephanie accepted the spoonful of ice cream with her own little grin, still completely oblivious of the hostility that still lingered between her boyfriend and her best friend. In fact, she assumed they were at least tolerating one another.

"Hows the ice cream?" Tanya finally asked, forcing some sort of civility in her voice.

 

[fr33ks33k]

"It's pretty good. Not nearly as sweet as Stephanie, though..."

He said it without hesitation. He was never this mushy, but he felt the need to antagonize Tanya. It was working marvelously. He scooped up the final bit of the dessert and spooned it into Stephanie's mouth, a few dribbles of it running down her chin. Craig laughed and moved to dab it with his napkin, playing up his overly sweet nature.

 

[princesssexci]

Tanya could only stare at the two, it was like watching one of those chick flicks that were made in the 1970's where everything was lollipops and sunshine. No one in the real world acted like that! She glanced to her left at Stephanie who looked stunned for a moment, but didn't seem to dwell on the matter, giggling as he wiped the bit of ice cream off of her chin.

She searched the recesses of her mind for some sort of come back. However, she was at a loss, damn it! Instead, all that came out of her mouth was, "Please...no one wants to hear about your sex life, kay? Thanks."

Tanya turned her attention to the now extremely stunned Stephanie. "Come on, Tanya...I'm sure he didn't mean it like that..." Stephanie said, her cheeks turning a bright red.

"Uh huh..whatevz. Look, this isn't working out. I don't trust him, he's too ...perfect. No guy, not even my boyfriend is that...sickeningly sweet. I'll text you later, kay?" She said, not even bothering to acknowledge Craig. Picking up her lemon bar, she left the cafe. That was probably the worst hour of her whole entire life.

Oh, but she'd find out what the real deal was with Craig.

Stephanie turned her attention from her best friends retreating form back to Craig. "I'm sorry...normally, she isn't like that." Stephanie was disappointed in the whole situation. She thought for sure that Tanya would change her mind about Craig.

Yeah, he was a killer but he was a reformed killer. He didn't lure poor innocent girls into his traps now. "But really Craig, I think the you were overly sweet. You don't have to pretend you know?"

 

[fr33ks33k]

"Sorry...I just...she gets to me. I figured I'd go tit for tat."

He rolled his eyes and shook his head, thinking about just how to dispose of Tanya. His smiles covered the malicious intent rolling around in his brain.

"Well, she'll come around eventually. Maybe...."

He offered a weak laugh, sliding the check to the waiter with his card.

"So, since that was a bust, what do we do with the rest of our afternoon?"

 

[princesssexci]

"No, I'm sure she will." Stephanie said.

Again, she was still completely oblivious to Craig's intentions towards her best friend. Perhaps that was a good thing. When he asked her what she wanted to do next, Stephanie looked thoughtful.

There were the obvious choices, but she was trying to convince herself that this whole relationship was not based on pure sex.

"I don't know...I always choose what we get to do. Why don't you pick this time?" She said, flashing Craig a smile.

 

[fr33ks33k]

"Hmmm...well there's always the park. We could go for a walk, or maybe we could go to that rock climbing place down on Baker...."

Truth be told, he wasn't exactly sure what their relationship was founded on short of their dynamics between the sheets. He did feel connected to her, but the source of it was still a bit hazy.