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Post by Mama Z on Oct 2, 2011 15:18:33 GMT -6
The bar was both dark and sophisticated. Red and white ambient light was set in the right places, accenting pictures and decor on the wall and the bottle of expensive wines and liquors located behind the bar. Soft talking and laughing was heard in the small booth like areas. Some patrons were drinking wine, others cocktails, and some just shots of something or another.
It was class all the way. It paid well though, and being a "struggling" musician, she couldn't ask for more. The piano keys were warm against her fingers as she played the requested song "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John. She couldn't see many from the small staged area she sat on. The light above her was bright and shining directly down. IT was a smaller crowd tonight, but that made sense. There was a fair going on which was sucking some of that patrons away.
But her pot was full and she continued to play. There was a small list of songs waiting to be heard. Zerlina took a glance toward the crowd before looking at the keys. No she could do it with her eyes closed, but that seemed to unnerve some people for some reason. Besides, it may seem like she was staring and that was one thing she didn't want someone to assume. After this song though would be a break for about 15 minutes then back to the keyboard. [/color][/size] |
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Post by Felypsa on Oct 3, 2011 11:17:35 GMT -6
There was nothing quite like a crowded bar to take what she needed. Granted, occasionally someone would bump into her, but most of the time, they just apologized to the air and moved on without noticing that, well, there was nothing to notice. Every now and then someone—whether too sober or too drunk—would glance around, confused, but that never last loned. Chameleon was not any particular risk.
The problem she had with bars was not the risk of being discovered, but that she felt bad swiping tips off the tables almost as soon as the patrons got up to leave. The barmaids always got really pissed off and she heard one or two complaining about this being “a really bad night.” Meleon was poor, but she was stealing from people who weren’t much better off. She told herself that it didn’t matter: they had homes, she didn’t, and she was doing what she needed to survive. There was no room in this world for a thief with a conscience.
The container beside the piano player was nice and full too. Meleon had been eyeing it all night, just waiting for the young woman to get up and go to the bathroom or something, so she could snatch it up. That would be her best chance of the night, she told herself. Once she managed to snag that, she would go…“home.” The abandoned grocery store and lot that served as home, anyway. Briefly, she wondered if Rave and Ren had been equally successful tonight, wherever they had decided to go. They were skilled street urchin thieves themselves, but they did not have the advantage of being virtually invisible, like Chameleon did. |
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Post by Mama Z on Oct 3, 2011 18:34:59 GMT -6
The song ended in a soft way and she smiled as she stood up. She gave a small wave to the audience before putting up a sign that said back in ten. She could go for hours without rest but for the sake of seeming normal, she needed to stop every now and again. Besides, it gave people smoke breaks and stuff theyw ere probably craving. Not to mention she had to pee.
If only she knew something else was in the room, going for her money. Not that Lina needed it. Money was another thing and these people didn't know true meaning of poor till they've slept in the streets in winter in 1700 England. She had enough though to get by, thanks to a savings her parents put up for her and her own small secret. Thank goodness for demon owned banks that were pretty much as covert as the black market.
She looked around as she got some sheet music together before turning to leave for the potty. So far a good night. [/color][/size] |
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Post by Felypsa on Oct 4, 2011 12:16:48 GMT -6
“You have to call the pocket, Romeo. That’s the point.” Dameon rolled his eyes. He would have expected his streetwise friend to be more well-versed in the art of pool, but Romeo was about as good at billiards as he was at hitting on women he was interested in. The man always overplayed it, Dameon noticed (considering himself to be much more of an expert in such matters), talking too much until he put his foot in his mouth. Romeo made a face at his cowboy-hat-wearing friend. “Can’t I call all the pockets and be happy when I finally get one in?” he complained, and Dameon did not even dignify that with a response.
They were laying low tonight. Their friend Brass had tipped them off that one of his fellow police officers—it was no surprise which one—was onto their trail. Again. That was all the way in the neighborhood of Lexington, which was all the way across town. Dameon and Romeo were hanging out here, in the more swanky college-student-infested neighborhood of Reynolds. Hopefully Laura got the memo too. The soft piano music was enough to accompany the city cowboy’s thoughts as he tried to figure out their next move.
When the music stopped, he glanced over to see why and observed the pianist getting up. A short break. Deep green eyes followed her briefly and then noticed a thin girl standing by the piano. She looked underage…and underfed. No more than 16 or 17, probably. Dameon frowned briefly, hating to see one so young indulging in a wild lifestyle of fake IDs and one-night stands with strangers. But that was when he saw her reach for the pianist’s money pot, pulling out big handfuls of cash.
Now that just wasn’t fair.
She left the money! Chameleon was pleased. This would be nice and easy. She was already standing fairly close to the piano, so as soon as Lina turned her back, she sidled up to the jar. She was tempted to take the whole thing, but she would rather carry the cash in her pockets. Slowly she started to draw out the bills, stuffing them in her jeans and jacket.
Suddenly a strong hand wrapped around her wrist, stopping her. Chameleon froze, looking up at man—a very handsome man wearing, of all things, a cowboy hat. His eyes were bright green and flashed down at her…directly at her. Meleon felt dizzy. How was he seeing her? She barely even heard him, softly rebuking, “Now what’s a young thing like you stealing in plain sight?”
“I’m not,” she protested. “I’m not…in plain sight.” That caused Dameon’s brows to knit in confusion, but he didn’t let her go. He might not be the most legal person in this room, but he could see no reason why this girl should need to steal from a piano player. And a really good one, too. |
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Post by Mama Z on Oct 4, 2011 20:16:44 GMT -6
The bathroom was full and Lina couldn't stand and wait for stalls to clear. Besides, the sounds of rushing water made her dance. She was heading toward the bar for some water when she paused. OF all things a cowboy was at the piano holding onto thin air.
No that was wrong. Lina had to squint and it took a moment but soon she saw a young teen standing there. What the hell? She blinked then moved over, 'Excuse me,' she stated looking between man and teen. 'Is everything okay?' This could cause a scene, especially with the spotlight shinning over head. [/color][/size] |
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Post by Felypsa on Oct 4, 2011 20:25:57 GMT -6
This girl wasn’t making any sense. “I can see you,” he pointed out, which made her look like she was about to cry. “You can’t, no one can, not unless they already know me,” she blurted. And that was when the musician returned. Dameon frowned and looked over at her as she asked what was going on. “I just noticed this waif was trying to steal from your pot, ma’am,” he said, putting on an easy smile and using his free hand to tip his hat. Even in a situation like this, he couldn’t help but try to be charming.
How could he see her? How? Only Rave and Ren could tell when she was around, and that was because they had been around her for years and knew what to look for. What she looked like. She had never seen this man in her life and was certain he had never seen her. There was no recognition in his eyes. He had no idea where he was. Then the woman came along and Meleon didn’t say a word. There was no chance that she could see her, and no doubt it would just make this cowboy look like a fool. |
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Post by Mama Z on Oct 7, 2011 22:03:36 GMT -6
She pressed her lips together and looked to Chameleon who looked about to have a heartattack. Poor thing. She could relate. She inhaled, looking back to Dameon, 'You're making a scene.'' She stated quietly, 'And Im telling you right now it looks like you're the one who's the waif, not her.' She glanced around to the customers, seeing who was noticing and who wasn't caring. [/color][/size] |
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Post by Felypsa on Oct 8, 2011 14:09:31 GMT -6
Before Dameon could respond, Chameleon stood gaping at Lina, her mouth hanging open like a fish. “You can see me too?” She yanked her hand away, heart hammering. “Take the money back. All of it. I don’t know who you are.” She grabbed the cash out of her pockets and threw it all out on the floor, then bolted, trying to navigate between people so they wouldn’t feel the invisible force hit them. Then again, maybe she wasn’t invisible anymore. Two people had seen her just like that. If her power was fading, she had to get out before she was caught.
Dameon let out a light curse as the waif dashed away. He would have gone after her but well, there was no point to it anymore. He glanced over at Lina and made a small face. “Forgive me for saying so, sweetheart, but it looks like you frightened her more than I did.” He reached up to adjust his hat. “I was only trying to do good by you.” He touched the brim of the hat with a nod. “Ma’am.” So much for his good deed of the day. Looked like he would have to make up for his bad karma some other time. |
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Post by Mama Z on Oct 11, 2011 18:56:33 GMT -6
The girl was having a minor melt down and despite Lina's attempts to help, it only made it worse. She yanked herself away and hauled ass out of there. Lina watched her go before pressing her lips tightly together. Dameon made a comment and she turned to glare at him. He gave some typical cowboy drawl before moving away.
Lina watched him for a moment before moving to pick up the money and shove it in her pocket. But she didn't go for the piano again. Rather she went in the direction she had seen Chameleon and went after her. Hopefully she'd be able to find her. [/color][/size] |
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Post by Felypsa on Oct 15, 2011 13:09:30 GMT -6
She didn’t go far. She still wasn’t used to the idea of having to run away from anybody. Sometimes Rave and Ren might get caught, and if Chameleon was with them, she would have to flee with them…but when she was on her own, she knew she could hide in plain sight. So why run? And truthfully, she was shaking too much at that moment to go much further. She stumbled into the alleyway alongside the club, leaning against the brick wall and holding herself, shivering.
How was it that she had been so easily seen—not just by one stranger, but by two? That wasn’t how things worked. Rave and Ren and maybe a few other homeless people she saw regularly were the only people who would recognize her. You had to know her to be able to see her, and they had been surviving together for a few years now. Chameleon squeezed her eyes tightly. She had better not be changing. She was sixteen (as far as she could calculate), puberty was over for her. She shouldn’t be going through any more changes! |
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Post by Mama Z on Oct 15, 2011 17:05:06 GMT -6
Lina moved out and out into the cool air of the night. Her eyes scanned the darkness and she almost missed Chameleon. But barely had she caught sight of her. The girl was pale and shaking like a leaf, Lina knew it wasn't from the cold. She pressed her lips together for a moment before cautiously approaching, 'Excuse me,' She greeted holding up her hands to show she meant no harm. 'I just wanted to make sure you are alright.' [/color][/size] |
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Post by Felypsa on Oct 16, 2011 11:23:47 GMT -6
She didn’t even notice Lina until she spoke. Chameleon jumped again, eyes wide as she looked up at the woman. The soft, concerned words of the pianist went over her head. None of this made sense, none of it. “You…you’re not supposed to see me,” she blurted, trying to find the strength to stand, but she was shaking so badly that she almost lost her balance again. She leaned against the wall and took a deep breath, suddenly wishing Rave were here. He was fierce, he’d know what to do.
“No one…no one sees me, but you…and he…” At least the cowboy wasn’t out here either. Chameleon was already feeling trapped as it was. |
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Post by Mama Z on Oct 16, 2011 13:20:23 GMT -6
She was scared out of her wits. Lina felt bad for her and put on a small smile. 'Its okay,' she stated, knowing and feeling that this girl was something special. 'If it makes you feel better, You keep flickering to me. When I first saw that man I had only seen him. You didn't get into my vision at first.' She bit her lip then looked around. 'Listen, I don't want to cause you turmoil. I know what its like to be in your position.' She reached into her pocket and pulled out the glob of money. 'Here, take it. I don't need it.' [/color][/size] |
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Post by Felypsa on Oct 16, 2011 17:31:04 GMT -6
She recoiled despite the woman’s kind words. Human interaction was foreign to her still, and this was a stranger…Chameleon tried to take solace in the fact that she was flickering like a bad TV connection, but all the same, it was frightening to know that her power was breaking down like this. And that man had caught her completely. What did it mean?
When the woman offered her money, Chameleon just stared at it, wide-eyed. No one had ever just handed over cash before like that, and she barely knew how to react to it. Was it a trap? Nobody liked a thief, she knew that. Plus, she was underage for that club. The waif swallowed but didn’t touch it. “Just who are you?” |
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Post by Mama Z on Oct 16, 2011 17:34:54 GMT -6
She wasn't taking it and running or simply running away. Lina shrugged her shoulders, a small smile on her face. 'Just someone who wants to help. My name is Zerlina, Lina for short. And Im being honest,' She held the money out further, 'Please take it. I've been in your position before and know what its like to resort to such things. Its just money I don't need.' Or wanted. 'I promise it's alright. Besides, if I told the police someone invisible stole it, what would that make me look like?' Many levels of crazy that was for sure. [/color][/size] |
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