9/30/2003

10:25 PM

Logfile from Gabriel.

 

Gabriel's-Upstairs Loft

There is almost a raw, unfinished feel to this apartment, filling the entire second floor of the building, and harkening back to building's original roots -and purposely so. High ceilings are left bare with mortar, brick, and metal, vaulting over the pale wood floor at least twenty feet high, and adorned here and there with the opaque glass of rectangular skylights. Large windows nearly six feet tall dominate, panelled in glass that at times can be either frosted or clear enough to show the sight of Carmine Street below.

From the staircase leading to the store below, the loft flows outward in a rather dramatic display of space. There is comfort to be had in the pair of dark red couches that are set near to the front facade windows, while just a little further from them is something of a kitchen area, separated with a counter and a dark table. Various entertainment purposes are served with a modest television and stereo, but the majority seems to have been invested in a pair of large cases, filled with various books from pictorials of architecture to modern pop-culture fiction, historical novels to whatever else seems to have claimed the owner's fancy at the time. Littering one of the back walls is an array of framed pictures, mostly black and whites and showing a variety of scenes of both city and country, nameless faces and glimpses of life, all seemingly beautiful in their own way.

Off to the back of the loft is a closed off area, divided by paper-shrouded panels that only extend about ten feet high. Beyond such is afforded the privacy of the bath area, as well as the bedroom. Simple elegance in all things.

Houki is here.

Obvious exits:

Downstairs

 

And how have things been going around here? Actually, it has been the same old same old. Well, as much is possible considering. But there is definitely something to be said for an existence that currently isn't punctuated by fights in parks or anything along that mien. Enjoying this quiet moment would be Gabe. Drawn up upon the couch, he is leaned into the corner, one leg pulled up onto the couch as well while the other is left on the floor. Occupying his hands is some book or another, quietly reading.

 

Indeed. A quiet night that rarely comes for those that are twice born, especially when you have relatives and enemies would love to see you dead. ... And for some, that's just their normal family, not their reincarnated extended. For Shinobu, that means one thing, and one only; if she's not at school, she's at work. And if she's not at either, she's walking through the door. And that's what happens, the door opening to let her in, a bag settled on the floor as she pulls her coat off her shoulders. Oh... she never told Gabe where she worked, did she? Well, he'll know from that characteristic tight white t-shirt splattered in orange, though at least she put on jeans before heading out the restaurant door. "I'm home..." is called out wearily, though soon enough she's busying herself with putting her coat and bag away. "Gabri... oh! There you are. Anything good?" That said on the book.

 

Gabriel licks a finger, moving to turn a page when Shinobu walks in. He takes a brief moment to finish off the paragraph, and then look up and over to her. Setting the book aside by draping it over the arm of the couch, he then moves to stand, gaze inevitably falling to her chest. Uhm... Yes, around about there. You know, to read the logo. "Mmmmmmmm." Gaze is drawn back up to her face, where it belongs. "Legal thriller.... work was alright?" That last eased rather slowly.

 

Sure, it's fanservice for the male customers there, but Shinobu very much uses that to her advantage. Something degrading becomes something that gets her better tips, if she uses it right. Such as when she turns after Gabriel speaks, her step a touch too light perhaps to induce a... bounce. Oh, yes, Gabe. Her face is up thataway. As nice as her 'assets' are, they don't speak. ... At least with words. "Legal thriller? Is that the one that came out recently?" Shoes tugged off, she minces over, eventually coming to settle on the edge of the couch. "And work was... getting more tips than I expected. Not that I'm complaining. Things at the shop run well today?"

 

Gabriel drops back down to where he was before as soon as Shinobu sits, lounging against the corner as hands drop into his lap. "Probably one and the same. I'm nearly done with it if you want to read it next?" Inevitably, his gaze slips to that shirt once more, looking rather thoughtful. But at least his gaze didn't linger down there too long this time, right? "Yes, well... of course you were. Considering..." Considering how she looks, that is. Attention is drawn back to the last question. "Hrm? Oh yes. With Fashion week well over, I've had a chance to contact some of the designers, so I'll hopefully be able to showcase some of their designs."

 

Good. Gabriel could probably use the rest. Not with just running the store downstairs but... everything else. Ahem. Bouncing aside, Shinobu herself doesn't look that bad off, only weary around the edges, though that's fading the more that she speaks. People weary, but not too weary for good company, apparently. "Hm. If you don't mind me reading it after you, sure." Keeps her from having to go out and hunt for it. Grinning slightly, perhaps she catches that last look down, because she shifts again, causing another bounce, before she muses, "Yes... but it was better than normal. Not that I'm complaining at all." Fashion week? It brings her to pause, but soon enough she's nodding, before she adds, "Good. I've always wanted to see it up close... I guess I can window shop for a chance and not be harassed about buying." It's... been good to live here, so far. "That is... if you don't mind me doing so."

 

Gabriel actually chuckles, a hand drifting over to wave vaguely at the bookcases off to the side. "Of course not. Haven't I made it abundantly clear that this place is yours as well, along with everything that is in here?" A gentle smile remains upon his features as he watches her, doing his level best to avoid staring at the bouncing. Be a good boy now, Gabe. Remember your manners. "And that includes the store. Take anything you want down there. I'm sure any of those clothes down there would do well by being worn by you."

 

Shinobu can't help but to smile a little over that; hands settling in her lap, her nose wrinkles at the announcement that everything in this place is hers. "My, my... you're making it sound like I can just pick up anything in this place and use it for my own. What will people think?" That smile flickers, only because she is on the verge of laughing, before she shakes her head. When Gabriel mentions the clothes downstairs, however, she shakes her head. "Now... that would be me taking advantage, Gabriel. I really couldn't do that. I'd have to buy it, rather than taking off on your generosity." And again... what would people think?

 

Gabriel shrugs his shoulders, 'cause that is exactly what he means. "Well, even I would question you if you started rifling through my closet for things to use, but other than that..." Another shoulder shrug is called for. "Oh, then take advantage of me." He leans over as if to tap her nose with one long finger, "Most people wouldn't even think to deny such an offer, Shinobu." And he falls back into the couch once again, smile almost crooked.

 

"I dunno. Your button down shirts look comfy." And would be rather large on her. But isn't that the point? .... Perhaps. Still, Shinobu doesn't move as her nose is bipped, bringing those large dark eyes to cross as Gabriel does it unheeded. Shaking her head a little, the young woman sits and regards him, as well as that statement, before she makes a face. "You know good and well that I'm not most people. I mean, if I were to take advantage of you," is commented, even as the young woman moves to lean over Gabriel, one hand coming to settle on the couch, hair sliding over her shoulders aas she comes face to face with the man, "I'd think I could come up with something better than a few outfits.... don't you?"

 

Gabriel is still trying to get past the imagery of her in his shirts, momentarily entertaining that as she speaks. "Hrm?" Attention draws back over to Shinobu, his smile brightening a little bit at a time. Well, that is until she draw so very close to him. Blink. "Mmmmmmm, Shinobu? I...." Should be be calling for help now? Does he even want to? "But... would you want to do that?" His eyes search over her face, looking just a little bit startled.

 

Isn't that what guys joke about? About their girls wearing their clothing once a relationship is sealed, or something like that. Still, Shinobu has drawn close, at least close enough to smell a hint of her perfume, as well as the shampoo that she uses for her hair. Should he be worried? That's a good question as her other hand lifts, to brush into chocolate hued locks before pulling away as she muses, "Now that..... I.... don't.... know." Each of those last three words are punctuated as she moves closer, breath warm on his lips.... before she finally flops back on the couch. "I mean, I just think there are certainly better things in this place than clothing, you know?" Did she let something slip? .... Maybe.

 

Gabriel swore to himself that he would be good. Be very, very good. He wouldn't try anything while she was living with him. He'd just let things be, and whatever happens, happens. But... Oh, when she does things like that, it really tugs on those chains of responsibility and respectability. Never mind that as she pulls back, he leans forward as if to keep her closer. It is only when he notices that he is doing it, that he stops, ending up sitting up fully. "Yes, there certainly are..." he eases slowly, unable to drag his gaze away from her, and not really wanting to either.

 

Shinobu never made such a promise, see. Sure, she is taking things cautiously, but when Gabriel leaves himself open like that, it's a little hard to ignore. So... she didn't. But now she's pulling back, and almost missing the fact that he follows her. Or, he starts to, catching himself before he comes too close. It brings those large eyes to blink slowly, before another smile spreads onto her features. "Indeed, there is. I mean...." she starts, her hands reaching again, this time to fuss with Gabe's collar, "There's so much here that is more important that a few measly scraps of cloth to wear... so many things that have.... sentimental value." It's only then that she pauses glancing up to the man's face before a hand lifts from his collar to touch his cheek. "And.... better things over all." Is she teasing? Or not? It's... a little hard to tell.

 

It is a good thing that Gabe isn't the sort of guy to start whimpering, because he certainly has every right to do so now. Instead, he offers her another soft smile, "It is that sentimental value that gets you every time. And yes, in some ways more than others." His hand lifts, reaching at first to play over her hand, only to take it in his own and bring it to his lips to bestow a light kiss to her knuckles.

 

 

10/2/2003

10:46 PM

Logfile from Gabriel.

 

But it'd be amusing to see, none the less? Or something like that. Instead, Shinobu is only in a half-kidding mood, though for the moment, it really doesn't look that way; not when she allows her hand to be taken and kiss, and now how that hand shifts to cradle Gabriel's jaw. "I.... have to agree," is said after several moments of her fingers brushing along the length of his cheek, though she doesn't quite move away yet. Not... yet. Should she? Maybe. Does she? ... Well, that's something else, apparently. "You know... I wonder how far that extends... and where it ends. I think sentimental value is good... but...." What? She doesn't finish, brows furrowing for just a moment.

 

Gabriel smiles faintly, his eyes somehow managing to do the very same thing. "But when presented with new and different circumstances, things change, attitudes change, how they are approached..." He trails off as well, even if his gaze upon her is steadfast. When she looks at him like that? And that touch? How can help help but not return the same? Even if his hand is reaching over to brush at her hair.

 

"Yes... the circumstances are very different, I think. Much more different, yet... freeing." Why? Because she's not being dragged from her home, kicking and screaming, she's not finding out that her best friend was in love with her all this time... she's not having to become Empress. There's a wealth of things that have changed, and so far, that past has been holding her back. Sure's allowed little steps, here and there, but now...? She doesn't pull away when Gabriel's fingers brush her hair; if anything, she leans into it, dark eyes closing for just a moment. ".... I think I'll take the sentimental, yet new value, if that's alright with you."

 

Gabriel chuckles faintly. "I couldn't agree with you more." Yes, there is definitely something to be said for leading a life away from the restrictions and responsibilities of before. And he is being very sure to appreciate each and every bit of it. His smile warms once again, "And that is perfectly alright with me." With her eyes closed for that moment, he simply can't help but draw closer, leaning in as if to try to brush his lips against her's.

 

Shinobu will happily live without a lifetime of having to be a slave to politics and the world at large, and being able to live for herself instead. That's something that she could never do before, no matter how it would make jaws drop. Nope! Don't want to be Empress anymore! Sorry.... That'd go over so well. And in caught in such thoughts she doesn't see that kiss until it's too late, freezing for just a moment as she feels those lips brush, unwilling or unable to breath, not moving until Gabriel pulls back. Face flushed, the girl looks a little out of sorts, before she finally gives, ".... I....." C'mon, Shinobu... /think/. "Uhm.... I'm glad." Now, don't mind her as she pulls him back for another kiss, this one a touch more feverant.

 

Gabriel doesn't look all that apologetic for kissing Shinobu where her eyes were shut, pulling back slowly and with the slightest of smiles. At her stammering, there is gentle amusement once more in his eyes. He begins to lift a hand to try to silence her, only to blink as it is now her smooching on him. Well, this is definitely a pleasant change, and something he isn't about to try to break away from. Well, except to murmur faintly, a smile to his words, "I'm glad you're glad."

 

Shinobu didn't expect herself to land that kiss either, just so that everything's even. In fact, when she pulls back, she still looks a little confused. Maybe finally done in holding in the past? Something like that. Regardless, when Gabriel speaks, it seems to break some sort of spell, leaving her to let go of him quickly, to settle her hands in her lap. "Ahem... well, yes." Can she even recover from that? ... Possibly not. "Uhm... I... you're not mad at me, are you?" Somewhat a redundant question under that smile that he's giving to her, but it's asked all the same.

 

Gabriel looks a little bit lost there, both at her pulling away and at her question. "Mad at you? Of course not. Why would I be?" That's a rather odd thing for her to ask, isn't it? He draws back though, apparently satisfied with how things have gone so far. In fact, more than satisfied. But he'll give her her room.

 

Well, she had to ask, considering she all but manhandled Gabe... or did she? "Well... you know." Obviously he doesn't, Shinobu. "Nevermind. I should start on dinner... you haven't eaten, have you?" Getting up, patting her cheeks as if that'd get rid of the flush, the young woman moves into the kitchen and begins to prepare. If anything, she's hungry.... or needs a cold shower. Maybe both.

 

Is it manhandling when he was a very willing partner? Well, depends on how you define it. Gabe shakes his head slowly from side to side in the negative, "No, I haven't." Sheesh. How did he get so lucky in that she can cook too? He'll just keep thanking those lucky stars of his. "Thank you!" he calls out after her, still smiling softly in the aftermath.